What are the responsibilities and job description for the AFRL Postdoctoral Science & Technology History Fellowship position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFRL-HO-2025-0001
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Application Deadline
3/15/2026 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) History Office is offering a Postdoctoral Science & Technology History Fellowship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to research, analyze, and document historical topics related to AFRL. The Air Force Research Laboratory History Office provides research, analysis, and written products to the leadership of AFRL and higher United States Air Force and United States Space Force offices. This effort encompasses studies of a period of more than 100 years and an extensive breadth of scientific and technical (S&T) activities. The postdoctoral research fellow will participate in original historical research, analysis, and writing on topics that involve AFRL's S&T activities as well as policy and personnel issues.
Why should I apply?
Education
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
Dayton, Ohio
What is the anticipated start date?
Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducts cutting-edge research and development (R&D) for the U.S. Air Force, with products that transition to systems centers and the field. It employs 10,000 people and expends nearly $5 billion per annum. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory, the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). The 711 HPW, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. For more information about the 711th Human Performance Wing, please visit https://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/711hpw/.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in history from an accredited university within five years of the appointment start date. Graduate students expecting to receive their doctoral degree before June 1, 2026 are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
A complete application consists of:
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Point of Contact
Leslie
Eligibility Requirements">1 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFRL-HO-2025-0001
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Application Deadline
3/15/2026 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) History Office is offering a Postdoctoral Science & Technology History Fellowship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to research, analyze, and document historical topics related to AFRL. The Air Force Research Laboratory History Office provides research, analysis, and written products to the leadership of AFRL and higher United States Air Force and United States Space Force offices. This effort encompasses studies of a period of more than 100 years and an extensive breadth of scientific and technical (S&T) activities. The postdoctoral research fellow will participate in original historical research, analysis, and writing on topics that involve AFRL's S&T activities as well as policy and personnel issues.
Why should I apply?
Education
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Develop an in-depth familiarity of the AFRL S&T environment
- Apply and develop historical research skills as they related to the history of S&T at AFRL
- Participate in activities related to the AFRL History Office's periodic history
- Explore AFRL history through stand-alone scholarly research, essays, and other projects
- Engage in team-based projects with other historians at the AFRL History Office
Dayton, Ohio
What is the anticipated start date?
Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Training and Travel Allowance
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducts cutting-edge research and development (R&D) for the U.S. Air Force, with products that transition to systems centers and the field. It employs 10,000 people and expends nearly $5 billion per annum. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory, the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). The 711 HPW, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. For more information about the 711th Human Performance Wing, please visit https://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/711hpw/.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in history from an accredited university within five years of the appointment start date. Graduate students expecting to receive their doctoral degree before June 1, 2026 are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Evidence of highly developed historical research and analysis skills
- Demonstrated exceptional writing ability (e.g., completed a PhD dissertation).
- Have a record of excellent teamwork with peers
- Shown an ability to communicate very effectively both orally and in writing
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Point of Contact
Leslie
Eligibility Requirements">1 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2026 11:59:00 PM.
- Discipline(s):
- Other Non-Science & Engineering (
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