You can conduct leading-edge research to advance U.S. intelligence and national security through scientific discovery or developing capabilities in science and emerging technologies

Excellence | Respect | Courage | Integrity

The Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program (IC Postdoc Program) was established in 2000 to support unclassified basic research in areas of interest to the IC. Funded primarily by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Program annually supports several Postdoctoral Fellows (Postdocs) from U.S. accredited colleges, universities, and U.S. Government laboratories across the country.

Participants in the IC Postdoc Program have achieved numerous significant accomplishments, including:

  • More than 450 articles in peer-reviewed journals
  • Published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, The Journal of American Chemical Society and Physics Today.
  • Recognized by Forbes List of “30 under 30” in Manufacturing & Industry (2015)
  • Won prestigious awards such as IEEE Intelligent Systems’ Top Ten, Science’s Top 10 breakthroughs, Presidential Early Awards for Scientists and Engineers.
  • Multiple IC Postdoc Fellows have recently received a Fulbright from their extraordinary research while in the program

Postdocs who have completed their Ph.D. within the last 5 years are invited to apply.

Are you ready to jump-start your career with an IC Postdoc fellowship in the ORISE Research Participation Program? Get started below! 

Additional Information

Why apply?

You will:

  • Learn from and collaborate with an advisor from the Intelligence Community to address the nation’s current challenges and establish long-term relationships and connections
  • Develop critical skills and contribute to mission-related research activities under the guidance of scientists, engineers and technicians
  • Receive financial support including a stipend and travel allowances for fellowships
  • Gain a competitive advantage for your future as you apply your education and talent in a variety of settings

Am I eligible?

  • Postdocs: must have a completed Ph.D. in a relevant field before beginning the appointment and within five years of the appointment start date. Must be a U. S. citizen.
  • Postdocs: only eligible to receive one award, but may apply to both the IC Postdoctoral Program and the Virtual Applied Research Consortium Program
  • Research Advisors: Must be an employee of an accredited U.S. university, college or U.S. government laboratory.

Selections are made by the ODNI Advisor after completion of an eligible application in Zintellect. More information is available on the Information for Applicants page.

What will I receive?

  • Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend ranging from $78,000 to $82,000, depending on location, to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by ODNI.
  • Travel: Annual travel budget of up to $6,000; Additional dedicated travel budget of $1,000 for year one
  • Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance up to $3,500 may be provided for expenses for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way, to the assigned hosting site. You will be responsible for securing your own living space and determining your means of local transportation prior to arriving at the designated host site. Hosting facilities may provide assistance locating appropriate housing in the local area.
  • Laboratory Allowance: Participants receive an annual laboratory allowance of $5,000
  • Health Insurance: A health insurance stipend is included in the stipend rate to offset medical, dental, and vision insurance.