Information for Graduate Research Fellowship
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs sponsors the DHS Graduate Research Fellowship. This program is designed to strengthen the nation’s scientific and technical workforce by supporting graduate education and advancing research that contributes to the safety, security, and resilience of the United States.
This unique opportunity supports the Department’s goal to develop a new generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts who are critically important to the overall Department of Homeland Security mission.
As a participant in the Graduate Research Fellowship, you will participate in applied research with federal research facilities and other Homeland Security STEM focused entities nationwide. You will be fully onsite or in both an onsite and virtual (on campus) environment. Designed to increase the number of U.S. citizens trained in STEM disciplines important to homeland defense, this experience will provide you with a competitive edge as you gain experience and apply your education, talent, and skills in a variety of settings within the DHS enterprise.
You will also establish connections with DHS professionals that facilitate long-term relationships between yourself, researchers, DHS personnel, and research facilities.
DHS will award approximately 5-6 Research Fellowships.
The DHS S&T Graduate Research Fellowship accepts applications from students currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree or recent Post Doctoral graduate in a STEM field aligned with the DHS S&T portfolio. Example research portfolios within the DHS include:
- Enforcing and administering immigration laws
- Securing our land and maritime borders
- Safeguarding cybersecurity and financial integrity
- Countering evolving threats, terrorism, and transnational crime
- Strengthening resilience and critical infrastructure protection
- Protecting and facilitating lawful trade and travel
- Enhancing physical protection, safety, and security
Additional Information
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Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for participation in the research program.
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- Be at least 18 years of age at the start of the research experience period.
- Be a United States citizen by the application deadline. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as a photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship) must be submitted to ORISE at the time award is accepted.
- Be a student currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the designated fields of interest to DHS, and those who obtained their Ph.D. in the past 12 months.
- Have cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as of the application deadline, as demonstrated in the most current transcript. GPA requirements will be strictly enforced.
- Be majoring in an academic discipline related to a DHS research area.
- Candidates selected for an appointment will be required to provide proof of enrollment for the current academic term prior to their appointment.
- Participate in the program for the full twelve months.
- Full-time participation is required.
- Have coverage under a health insurance plan before arriving at the appointment site and maintain coverage during the appointment.
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Tenure
The tenure of the DHS Fellowship is 12 months.
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Provisions
In this section you will find information which is intended to be used as a guide of what you will receive if selected for a DHS Fellowship.
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A Stipend total for the 12-month cycle is $90,000.
Health Insurance Allowance of up to $550 per month for the duration of the appointment ($6,600 total for 12 months)
Dislocation OR Inbound/Outbound Travel: A dislocation allowance of $3,500 or an inbound/outbound allowance up to $1,000 may be provided for eligible participants who live more than fifty miles, one-way, from the assigned hosting site and who meet other criteria
Travel Allowance of $5,000 for academic conference attendance in support of the research project, professional development, and/or other travel in support of the appointment as requested by DHS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions most commonly asked by applicants.
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Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by DHS, and are based on the participant’s educational level. Some mentors may also award relocation, a travel allowance, and/or a health insurance stipend.
Every participant is required to have health insurance on the first day of the appointment and throughout the duration of the program. Participants may not be present at DHS facilities if their insurance coverage lapses.
Individual, individual plus one, or family insurance coverage may be purchased through ORISE, or participants may obtain another insurance plan from the company of their choice.
If you see the opportunity on Zintellect then it is still actively accepting applications. If no deadline is listed then applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants can always contact DHSed@orau.org with any questions regarding the status of your application and/or the opportunity.
We do not advise you to do this. Only ORISE is authorized to offer you an appointment.
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