Transportation Program Analyst Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Health insurance

Competitive stipend

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education seeks participants for research at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. Responsibilities include analyzing travel demand models, gathering passenger travel data, and developing white papers. A degree in relevant fields is required, preferably a master's. Candidates should have skills in data visualization, GIS, and programming. This appointment lasts for one year with potential extensions, offering a stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.

Qualifications

• Degree must have been conferred within 60 months of the appointment start date.
• Familiarity with climate change mitigation and adaptation policy.
• Ability to present results in a clear, effective manner.

Responsibilities

• Analyze travel demand models and compile data.
• Gather and assess passenger travel data.
• Develop insights and write white papers.

Skills

Familiarity with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Socrata)

Familiarity with GIS and spatial mapping

Familiarity with R or Python

Familiarity with linking various transportation datasets

Familiarity with travel demand modeling/forecasting

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Self-starter with ability to learn under limited guidance

Knowledge of U.S. transportation systems

Education

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in relevant field received within 60 months

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Reference Code

USDOT-BTS-2026-0001

Description

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST) coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation's research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross‑cutting technologies to improve our Nation's transportation system. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the principal federal statistical agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment.

Join our team and learn how to analyze the impact of the transportation system. Two research projects are currently available at DOT. The first examines and compiles information about travel demand models from state DOTs and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop a white paper on current practices and methods from a national standpoint. We are interested in basic model information for regional and statewide transportation models, and in what new technologies and methods—particularly in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) space—are being used. The second project involves assessment and collection of data from passenger travel with a focus on long‑distance travel and tourism. This research will assist in developing a long‑distance travel program and will also seek the use of modern technology in the form of AI.

This appointment is for one year. Extensions may be offered in increments of one year up to a total of five years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

This opportunity offers a competitive stipend and provisions such as a travel allowance and health insurance. It is located within the OST and the BTS in Washington, DC or remote.

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.

Applications will be reviewed and a selection made on a rolling basis.

Responsibilities

Analyze travel demand models and compile data from state DOTs and MPOs.

Gather and assess passenger travel data with emphasis on long‑distance travel and tourism.

Develop insights and write white papers that inform transportation policy and research.

Qualifications

• An associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a relevant field is required. The degree must have been conferred within 60 months of the appointment start date.
• Relevant fields include geography, social or behavioral science, computer science, information systems, mathematics or statistics, earth or geological sciences, life, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, business, data science, and data visualization.
• A master’s degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Socrata).
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial mapping.
• Familiarity with R or Python.
• Familiarity with linking various transportation datasets.
• Familiarity with travel demand modeling/forecasting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑starter with the ability to learn under limited guidance and changing outcome goals.
• Knowledge of and interest in U.S. transportation systems, state DOTs and MPOs.
• Ability to present results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform subsequent research.
• Proficiency translating high-level business requirements into detailed design specifications.
• Ability to engage among offices and units to obtain information, collaborate on data‑related projects, and validate findings and conclusions.
• Familiarity with climate change mitigation and adaptation policy.
• Familiarity with alternative energy and transportation statutes.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree received within 60 months of the appointment start date.
• Minimum Age: 18 years.
• Disciplines:
  • Business (Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Logistics, Management, Marketing, MIS or Business Statistics, Project Management).
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences.
  • Communications and Graphics Design.
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences.
  • Earth and Geosciences.
  • Engineering.
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences.
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences.
  • Mathematics and Statistics.
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering.
  • Physics.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Point of Contact

Kristen