Transportation Innovations Fellow

To apply

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), works at the dynamic intersection of new and emerging technologies, transportation data, policy, research and all modes of transportation across the Department. As a Fellow, you will learn to facilitate the transformation of our transportation system–making it safer, more efficient, competitive, accessible and sustainable.

The OST-R is looking for university faculty and established scientists to gain hands-on experience by applying their knowledge within specific fields of expertise aligned with the Office's mission areas. You will be placed within one of the following OST-R offices:

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence
• Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office
• Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) & Spectrum Management
• Office of Research, Development & Technology
• Transportation Safety Institute
• Volpe National Transportation Center

A significant focus of the OST-R team is to develop and implement strategies to enable transportation technologies, coordinate the Department’s research investment, oversee the development of Annual Modal Research Plans, and provide opportunities for research collaboration with public and private sector partners. The areas of professional development a fellow may participate in include:

• Learning to advance innovation, technology development, and breakthrough knowledge
• Learning to facilitate research and multimodal research collaboration
• Learning to foster technology transfer through partnerships both within the Department and with other Federal agencies, academia and private entities
• Participating in research and development activities that provide decision makers with useful statistics and information of the highest quality and integrity
• Participating on a team to develop a skilled interdisciplinary transportation workforce for the nation

Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by DOT officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. This appointment is full time for between 6 and 12 months, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

For more information about the Research Participation program at the U.S. Department of Transportation, please visit https://orise.orau.gov/dot/

Appointment Location
Washington, DC

Nature of Appointment
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.

DOT is looking for the following in a successful applicant:

• Coursework and/or experience in transportation, collection analysis, data analysis, computer programming, technology, outreach, and/or communications.
• Demonstrated ability to meet established deadlines with products that reflect professionalism.
• Experience with program evaluation, project management, and/or needs assessments.
• Experience analyzing data to identify patterns and trends.
• Experience presenting results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform next steps.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work across various offices, work units, and organizations to obtain information, collaborate on data-related projects, and validate findings and conclusions.
• A self-starter with the ability to perform work with limited supervision and changing outcome goals.

A complete application consists of:

• 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. Selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
• A current resume/CV
• One Letter of recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for one recommendation in order to submit the application. Applicants are encouraged to request a letter of recommendation before submission as this may help reviewers have a better understanding of the applicant’s qualifications and interests. The letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf before selections are completed and offers are made.

If you have questions, please email USDOT@orau.org. Please list (USDOT-2023-2001) in the subject line of your email.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Other Non-S&E
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Age: Must be 18 years of age