What are the responsibilities and job description for the HHS Science Policy Fellowship position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Reference Code
HHS-ASPE-2026-0002
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
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!
Application Deadline
5/29/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
ASPE advises the HHS Secretary on policy development, leads special initiatives, coordinates the Department's evaluation, research and demonstration activities, and manages cross-Department planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning, and review of regulations.
Research Project: The selected fellow will be guided by a team of ASPE scientists with expertise in biomedical science, public health, and policy. The fellow will have opportunities to use a wide range of data resources; collaborate on design and carry out research studies; and gain experience in both quantitative and qualitative analytical projects, all in support of Office of the Secretary priorities led by ASPE. In addition to direct mentorship by the ASPE team, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with a broad set of federal and non-federal stakeholders and will develop skills in policy and program analysis, policy research, and coordination.
Learning Objectives
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Casey Sullivan (casey.sullivan@hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ASPE and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience and receive a stipend for healthcare benefits.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by 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 HHS. Participants do not become employees of HHS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email HHSrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing.
Preferred Skills
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Eligibility Requirements">4 )
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Reference Code
HHS-ASPE-2026-0002
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
- An application
- Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.
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!
Application Deadline
5/29/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
ASPE advises the HHS Secretary on policy development, leads special initiatives, coordinates the Department's evaluation, research and demonstration activities, and manages cross-Department planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning, and review of regulations.
Research Project: The selected fellow will be guided by a team of ASPE scientists with expertise in biomedical science, public health, and policy. The fellow will have opportunities to use a wide range of data resources; collaborate on design and carry out research studies; and gain experience in both quantitative and qualitative analytical projects, all in support of Office of the Secretary priorities led by ASPE. In addition to direct mentorship by the ASPE team, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with a broad set of federal and non-federal stakeholders and will develop skills in policy and program analysis, policy research, and coordination.
Learning Objectives
- Continuously build, expand, and maintain subject matter expertise in biomedical science and public health policy to support rigorous analysis and informed decision-making.
- Learn emerging research, scientific advancements, policy trends, and data relevant to regulations, legislation, executive directives, and related materials to ensure alignment with HHS priorities.
- Apply ongoing learning to conduct thorough reviews and policy analyses, integrating current evidence and best practices to collaborate on recommendations.
- Engage in research and evaluation activities to deepen understanding of program performance and inform improvements to regulations, programs, and policy development.
- Learn to synthesize complex scientific findings and policy information into clear, evidence-based insights for internal and external audiences.
- Learn to prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials that reflect up-to-date knowledge.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Casey Sullivan (casey.sullivan@hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ASPE and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience and receive a stipend for healthcare benefits.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by 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 HHS. Participants do not become employees of HHS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email HHSrpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing.
Preferred Skills
- Experience designing, planning, conducting, and communicating the results of analytical projects within the sciences.
- Knowledge of and experience with methodological and statistical techniques necessary to analyze and interpret relevant data.
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Eligibility Requirements">4 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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