What are the responsibilities and job description for the Freight Network Analyst position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Reference Code
USDOT-BTS-2026-0002
How To Apply
Click the Apply button below
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! The app is for both applicants and for use after one is appointed.
Description
Are you ready to learn about the intersection of data analytics and transportation? Do you want to learn how to transform the way data and statistics inform policy decisions? The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the principal federal statistical agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), leading the department in data analytics, survey design and data-driven research. We provide objective, comprehensive and relevant information to decision makers and the public; your participation in the projects below will help us examine the extent and use of America's transportation systems, how those systems perform, and transportation's impacts.
We are looking for applicants with backgrounds in network science and data-driven disciplines. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your programming and analysis skills with national data and to gain invaluable experience learning from subject matter experts. The ideal candidate will have some familiarity with transportation network assignment methods, data processing, and programming, with knowledge of data mining and predictive modeling. This appointment is an excellent opportunity to provide input, direction, and creativity into projects involving vitally important freight transportation databases as well as skill development and training, plus networking opportunities with government and industry. If this sounds exciting to you, come apply your network analytics and research skills to help shape the best U.S. freight transportation system!
You will participate in the Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis (OSEA) where you will join a team of highly skilled data scientists, engineers, and other research fellows. OSEA develops numerous transportation data products, including the Freight Analysis Framework (FAF), which is used across the US and internationally to understand transportation trends and inform policy decisions. OSEA staff collaborate across agencies, both within and outside DOT, to explore innovative methods of data collection/analysis/visualization, algorithm development, and modeling methods. Our goals include improving existing data development programs and initiating new ones.
We are currently researching new ways to apply network flow algorithms at a large scale to simulate nationwide U.S. freight flows. You will be involved with this exciting area in one or more projects in freight transportation and supply chain contexts. You will learn and apply network analytics techniques to evaluate the flow of cargo throughout the Nation’s complex multimodal system, which includes highway, rail, water, pipeline, air, and multimodal networks. You will research primary and auxiliary source data during this appointment and gain experience in applying network analysis methods in a high-powered, cloud-based framework, and in crafting analytical tools that inform policy. Strong communication, coordination, and teamwork skills are essential to be successful in this appointment.
The selected applicant will have opportunities to learn and influence national data programs, perform research on statistical methodology to enhance data quality and usability, research innovations to improve efficiency and timeliness of data collection and production, learn BTS privacy and confidentiality efforts, and learn how to represent BTS in various settings such as conferences.
This appointment is for one year. Extensions may be offered in increments of one year up to a total of five years. Extensions are contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
This opportunity offers a competitive stipend and provisions such as a travel allowance and health insurance.
This opportunity is located within the OSEA and the BTS in Washington, DC or remote.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, DOT, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.
Applications will be reviewed and a selection made on a rolling basis.
Qualifications
A bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a relevant field is required. The degree must have been conferred within 60 months of the appointment start date. Relevant fields include the list of disciplines found below under Eligibility Requirements.
Ideal Candidates Will Have
Point of Contact
Kristen
Eligibility Requirements">17 )
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Reference Code
USDOT-BTS-2026-0002
How To Apply
Click the Apply button below
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! The app is for both applicants and for use after one is appointed.
Description
Are you ready to learn about the intersection of data analytics and transportation? Do you want to learn how to transform the way data and statistics inform policy decisions? The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the principal federal statistical agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), leading the department in data analytics, survey design and data-driven research. We provide objective, comprehensive and relevant information to decision makers and the public; your participation in the projects below will help us examine the extent and use of America's transportation systems, how those systems perform, and transportation's impacts.
We are looking for applicants with backgrounds in network science and data-driven disciplines. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your programming and analysis skills with national data and to gain invaluable experience learning from subject matter experts. The ideal candidate will have some familiarity with transportation network assignment methods, data processing, and programming, with knowledge of data mining and predictive modeling. This appointment is an excellent opportunity to provide input, direction, and creativity into projects involving vitally important freight transportation databases as well as skill development and training, plus networking opportunities with government and industry. If this sounds exciting to you, come apply your network analytics and research skills to help shape the best U.S. freight transportation system!
You will participate in the Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis (OSEA) where you will join a team of highly skilled data scientists, engineers, and other research fellows. OSEA develops numerous transportation data products, including the Freight Analysis Framework (FAF), which is used across the US and internationally to understand transportation trends and inform policy decisions. OSEA staff collaborate across agencies, both within and outside DOT, to explore innovative methods of data collection/analysis/visualization, algorithm development, and modeling methods. Our goals include improving existing data development programs and initiating new ones.
We are currently researching new ways to apply network flow algorithms at a large scale to simulate nationwide U.S. freight flows. You will be involved with this exciting area in one or more projects in freight transportation and supply chain contexts. You will learn and apply network analytics techniques to evaluate the flow of cargo throughout the Nation’s complex multimodal system, which includes highway, rail, water, pipeline, air, and multimodal networks. You will research primary and auxiliary source data during this appointment and gain experience in applying network analysis methods in a high-powered, cloud-based framework, and in crafting analytical tools that inform policy. Strong communication, coordination, and teamwork skills are essential to be successful in this appointment.
The selected applicant will have opportunities to learn and influence national data programs, perform research on statistical methodology to enhance data quality and usability, research innovations to improve efficiency and timeliness of data collection and production, learn BTS privacy and confidentiality efforts, and learn how to represent BTS in various settings such as conferences.
This appointment is for one year. Extensions may be offered in increments of one year up to a total of five years. Extensions are contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
This opportunity offers a competitive stipend and provisions such as a travel allowance and health insurance.
This opportunity is located within the OSEA and the BTS in Washington, DC or remote.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, DOT, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.
Applications will be reviewed and a selection made on a rolling basis.
Qualifications
A bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a relevant field is required. The degree must have been conferred within 60 months of the appointment start date. Relevant fields include the list of disciplines found below under Eligibility Requirements.
Ideal Candidates Will Have
- Demonstrated experience in network assignment methods and network flow simulation as they relate to transportation
- Background that includes one or more quantitative areas such as transportation engineering, network science, machine learning, statistical modeling, optimization, or data science
- Experience with R or Python
- Some experience with other languages such as C or C
- Demonstrated experience linking and comparing various datasets
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Ability to participate with limited supervision and to adapt to changing goals
- Experience presenting results in a clear and effective manner
- Some experience with data visualization
- Proficiency in translating high level business requirements into research-based tasks and results
- Experience or interest in applying modeling and simulation methods to applications involving multimodal freight, shipping, and logistics related topics
- Ability to liaise with others to obtain information, collaborate on data-related research projects, and validate findings and conclusions
- Profile Information
- Application Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Transcript(s) - An unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. The selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
- A current resume/CV
- Two recommenders - Applicants are required to provide contact information (e.g., name, title/position, email address, telephone number) for two recommenders.
Point of Contact
Kristen
Eligibility Requirements">17 )
- Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
- Discipline(s):
- Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (
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