The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) conducts early-stage research and development (R&D) to strengthen the body of scientific and engineering knowledge supporting industry efforts to develop new technologies that increase U.S. hydropower and marine energy (ME) generation. Marine energy technologies convert the energy of waves, tides, and river and ocean currents into electricity and have the potential to provide millions of Americans with locally sources, clean, and reliable energy. This program is designed to provide graduate thesis research opportunities in marine energy at DOE laboratories and other DOE/WPTO-approved facilities.
What will I be doing?
As a participant with the Marine Energy (ME) Graduate Student Research Program, you will get to advance your master's or doctoral thesis utilizing the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at DOE laboratories, industry, federal agencies, or other approved facility to accomplish your research goals, all while networking with top scientists in the field. You will enhance your education and training in marine energy, increase your marketability in these disciplines, gain access to top scientists and state-of-the-art equipment, and gain insight into research and career opportunities through your internship experiences. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from experts researching, developing, and testing emerging technologies in marine energy and/or blue economy.
You will conduct research at both your academic institution and at an external hosting facility. Because you are responsible for finding a host facility and securing a mentor, you will be embedded in a facility whose research aligns with your research goals and who can provide the resources you need for your research. Your mentor may also be a resource for your next career step!
Who do we want?
- Highly motivated graduate students who are completing a thesis in an area of interest to WPTO, including but not limited to innovative technologies for clean, domestic power generation from marine energy technologies.
- Applicants who are able to independently secure a hosting facility and mentor to host them for at least 6 months of the appointment, either virtually or in-person.
Where will I be?
You will identify the host facility where you want to conduct your research and a potential mentor currently conducting or directing research in an area of importance to WPTO, identified in the office's multiyear program plan. The minimum appointment period for this program is 6 months at the identified hosting facility, virtually or in-person. For a list of potential host facilities, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/host-institutions-marine-energy-graduate-student-research-program .
Apply Today! We will need a copy of your academic records, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and a research plan, including your proposed hosting facility and potential mentor. For more information and resources on research plans, visit https://orise.orau.gov/marine-energy-program/.
The benefits:
You will receive a competitive stipend, an allowance to offset the costs of health insurance, reimbursement for education and research travel and materials up to $7,000, and limited tuition allowance. A relocation allowance of up to $3,000 may be provided for eligible participants relocating to the hosting facility.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
