OREM Science Education and Internship Program: Engineering, Environmental, and Physical Sciences Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Housing Allowance

Dislocation Supplement

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) in hosting Fellows from diverse STEM backgrounds.

Fellows contribute to modernization, environmental remediation and site revitalization projects, gaining experience in project management, engineering, budgeting and contractor oversight. Participants will work on-site in Oak Ridge, TN, with mentorship and structured training.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen at time of application (verification if selected).
• Be at least 18 years old at appointment start.
• GPA 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale.
• Pursuing or holding an eligible STEM degree with specific disciplines.
• Degree completion or anticipated by 12/31/2026; max two years since degree for post-graduate.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to project execution, budgeting, regulatory and environmental compliance.
• Receive mentorship from branch chiefs, project directors and SMEs.
• Apply foundational project management skills on active, real-world projects.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Communication skills

Proactive approach

Deadline-driven

Education

STEM degree in Chemistry or Materials Sciences, Earth/Geosciences, Engineering, Environmental/Marine, Life Health and Medical Sciences

GPA 3.0 or above

Bachelor’s or higher (in related field)

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Reference Code

DOE-OREM-SEIP-2026-EEPSF-2

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) is seeking Fellows to engage in projects and activities that contribute to the modernization and transformation of some of the nation's most important research and national security sites, while returning land to the community to enable new economic development.

Fellows will join the nation’s largest environmental restoration and revitalization effort. Specifically, OREM is removing Manhattan Project– and Cold War–era infrastructure at the Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory and addressing legacy inventories of nuclear materials. OREM carries out its mission using sound business practices, strong management approaches, and innovative technologies.

The Fellow will receive training and mentorship from branch chiefs, project directors and managers, and subject matter experts to advance appointment goals in engineering, deactivation, decommissioning, demolition, environmental remediation, science, and technology. The Fellow will gain exposure to all aspects of project execution, including project management, engineering, budgeting and cost control, regulatory and environmental compliance, and contractor oversight.

Throughout the fellowship, the Fellow will apply foundational project management skills to active, real-world projects under the guidance of personnel in OREM’s Planning and Execution Division and Quality and Mission Support Division.

OREM offers recent graduates the opportunity to support its mission to remediate environmental impacts from Manhattan Project and Cold War–era operations, modernize and transform critical research and national security sites, and return land to the community to promote new economic development.

Financial Provisions

• Stipend: between $750 - $1,250/week depending on academic level
• Housing Allowance: $250/week (If relocating more than fifty miles from assigned location)
• Dislocation Supplement: $500 paid as lump sum on first stipend payment (If relocating more than fifty miles from current location)

Provisions are subject to change and are determined by OREM to help participants offset the cost of living during their participation.

Qualifications

To qualify for the DOE OREM Science Education and Internship Program, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of application:

• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application (verification will be required if selected).
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time the appointment begins (no exceptions).
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Be either:
  • A currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institute of higher education with an intended graduation date no later than December 31, 2026.
  • A recent post-graduate of an accredited institute of higher education. The time period between receipt of an undergraduate or graduate degree and starting the OREM appointment must be two years or less.
• Be pursuing or have obtained an eligible STEM degree in a discipline that supports OREM research and operations: Chemistry and Material Sciences; Earth and Geosciences; Engineering; Environmental and Marine Sciences; and Life Heath and Medical Sciences.

A Complete Application Consists Of

• Zintellect Profile
• Short Essay: Explain why this opportunity interests you and how it will impact your educational and professional goals. Describe your relevant research, technical, or professional skills and experience that are applicable to this opportunity.
• Availability Details
• Academic Records: A copy of an official or unofficial transcript or copies of the academic records from internal institutional systems may be submitted. Transcript or academic records must clearly show the name of the student, name of the academic institution, in progress / completed / enrolled courses, grades, most recent cumulative GPA, and the degree in progress/completed. Applicant may combine academic records into one document if they have attended multiple academic institutions. Selected candidates must provide proof of current enrollment or degree completion at the time of selection.
• Resume: Resumes should include academic history, employment history, and relevant experience(s).
• One recommendation from an educational or professional setting. The recommendation should address the applicant's academic record and potential for success such as demonstrated intellectual merit, communication, and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to submit a recommendation in Zintellect by Sunday, November 8. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted and extensions will not be granted.

Appointment Details

• Appointment durations will be issued in 1-year increments with possible extension.
• OREM intends to have selected Fellow(s) start no later than January 2027, depending on relocation needs.
• Selected Fellow(s) will be expected to participate on-site in Oak Ridge, TN. Virtual participation is not available.
• Preference will be given to applicants that are able to be fully engaged in the Fellowship.

Ideal Applicants Should Meet The Preferred Qualifications

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Environmental sciences, physical sciences, or engineering backgrounds
• Proactive approach to tasks
• Ability to complete assignments by a deadline

Stipend

$750.00 – $1,250.00 Weekly

Point of Contact

Abby

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 11:59:00 PM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Age: Must be 18 years old by 11/1/2026

Affirmation

By submitting this application, I affirm that I have either already earned the eligible degree required for this program or will have successfully completed all degree requirements and graduated no later than December 31, 2026. I understand that proof of degree completion will be required during the onboarding process prior to my start date.