Why Join the IC Virtual Applied Research Consortium Program?

• Supercharge Your Career Path: Leverage this prestigious program as a direct pipeline to high-impact intelligence careers. Past IC researchers have secured coveted positions across the intelligence community, defense sector, and national laboratories.
• Elite Professional Network: Develop career-defining connections with decision-makers and technical leaders across the 18 IC agencies who can champion your future career advancement.
• Distinguished Credential: Add a rare and respected qualification to your professional profile that signals to future employers your ability to excel in high-stakes environments.
• Direct Mission Impact: Convert your theoretical expertise into solutions that address critical intelligence gaps and protect America's interests.
• Professional Recognition: Gain visibility with senior intelligence leaders while advancing your field.

2026 Focus Area

Artificial Intelligence

Our inaugural virtual laboratory will focus on artificial intelligence applications critical to intelligence and national security. Selected researchers will address high-priority challenges under the guidance of experienced IC mentors.

What You’ll Experience

As a Virtual Applied Research Consortium Program participant, you'll join a virtual consortium of up to 10 elite postdoctoral researchers focused on converting theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. This isn't abstract academic research – your work will be guided by real-world intelligence requirements and operational needs.

You'll participate in:

• Quarterly research reviews with direct IC feedback
• Collaborative problem-solving across the intelligence enterprise
• Development of prototypes and proof-of-concepts
• Briefings and demonstrations for intelligence community leadership
• Creation of transition pathways for promising technologies

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 yearly stipend ranging from $87,000 to $91,000, 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.