The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office enables research, development, and testing of emerging technologies to advance marine energy as well as next-generation hydropower and pumped storage systems for a flexible, reliable grid.
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 sourced, clean, and reliable energy. The WPTO funded Marine Energy Fellowship: Graduate Student Track will strengthen those efforts by preparing post-graduates for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) careers in marine energy important to WPTO by providing opportunities at industry organizations, DOE laboratories, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, and other DOE/WPTO-approved facilities.
Marine Energy Fellowship applications are reviewed (and offers are made) two times per year with the first application deadline being December 6, 2024, 5pm EST, for a summer start date, and the second application period on March 7, 2025, 5 pm EST, for a Fall start date. Letters of support for the 1st application period must be received by Friday, December 13, 2024, 5pm EST and Friday, March 14, 2025, 5pm EST for the 2nd application period for your application to be considered.
What will I be doing?
As a participant with the Marine Energy Fellowship: Graduate Student Track, you will get to advance your master's or doctoral thesis utilizing the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at DOE laboratories, industry, federal agencies, NGOs, community-based organizations, 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. 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 or dissertation in a marine energy topic, 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 the appointment; virtually, hybrid, 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, development, and/or testing in a marine energy topic.
The minimum appointment period for this fellowship is 6 months at the identified hosting facility, virtually or in-person, however, appointments are typically 12 months. For a list of potential host facilities, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/host-institutions-marine-energy-graduate-student-research-program. Applicants are not limited to this list.
The benefits:
You will receive a competitive monthly stipend ($2,500 for students pursuing a master’s degree and $2,950 for students pursuing a doctoral degree), health insurance or a health insurance supplement to offset the costs of health insurance, reimbursement for education, research, and/or conference travel and materials up to $7,000, and limited tuition reimbursement. A relocation and/or travel allowance of up to $3,000 may be provided for eligible participants relocating and/or traveling to the hosting facility.
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.
