Recent bachelor’s and master’s graduates looking for research experience can explore ORISE STEM Internships and Fellowships, which connect participants with research and professional development opportunities across the U.S. Department of Energy, national laboratories and other federal agencies.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education says its recent-graduate opportunities are designed to help participants move beyond entry-level STEM knowledge, gain laboratory experience and prepare for professional careers or advanced academic study.
Current listings include opportunities connected with the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and National Energy Technology Laboratory, with roles spanning research, energy innovation, science and technology policy, technical internships and professional development.
ORISE STEM Internships and Fellowships 2026–2027 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education |
| Managed By | ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy |
| Opportunity Type | Internships, Fellowships, Research Opportunities |
| Primary Audience | Recent graduates and other STEM participants |
| Recent Graduate Levels Highlighted | Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates |
| Major Partners | DOE, HHS, DOD, DHS and other federal agencies |
| Research Locations | U.S. national laboratories, federal agencies and program-specific sites |
| Application Platform | Zintellect |
| Current Featured Areas | Energy, Critical Minerals, AI/Document Processing, Policy, Research, Professional Internships |
| 2027 Opportunities Visible | Spring 2027 ORNL internships, NNSA TEPP 2027 |
| Professional Development | Available |
| Research Experience | Available |
| Advanced Degree Preparation | Supported |
| Universal Salary/Stipend | Not stated on the supplied page |
| Universal Citizenship Requirement | Not stated on the supplied page |
| Universal Deadline | No |
| Universal Remote Option | No |
What Is ORISE?
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, commonly known as ORISE, administers education, research and workforce-development programs connected with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies.
ORISE is managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Its STEM internship and fellowship programs are intended to provide students, recent graduates, postdoctoral researchers and faculty with research and professional experience.
What Does ORISE Offer Recent Graduates?
ORISE says recent graduates can use its programs to gain:
- STEM research experience
- Laboratory knowledge
- Professional career preparation
- Experience before pursuing graduate school
Recent bachelor’s and master’s graduates are specifically highlighted as being able to gain valuable research experience across a range of STEM disciplines.
Opportunities Feed Insight
This makes ORISE particularly relevant for graduates who are caught between:
finishing university
and
needing stronger research or laboratory experience before their next major career or academic step.
Can ORISE Help Before a Master’s or PhD?
Yes.
ORISE specifically notes that graduates who want to remain in academia may use research experience to build laboratory skills before pursuing a:
- Master’s degree
- Doctorate
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This can be especially useful for graduates whose undergraduate programs provided limited hands-on research experience.
What Agencies Work With ORISE?
ORISE manages programs for several major U.S. federal agencies.
These include:
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Other federal agencies
Opportunities Feed Insight
The breadth of agencies means ORISE should not be viewed only as an energy internship platform.
Depending on the program, opportunities may relate to:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Public health
- Policy
- National security
- Energy
- Data
- Research
Current ORISE Opportunities for Recent Graduates
The recent-graduate page includes a sample of current ORISE-administered opportunities through the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories.
Visible listings include several 2026 and 2027 programs.
NNSA Tribal Education Partnership Program 2027
One current listing is:
Tribal Education Partnership Program (TEPP)
Opportunity number:
NNSA-TEPP-2027
Organization:
U.S. Department of Energy
Program:
National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program
Location:
Varies
DOE Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation Fellowship
Another visible opportunity is:
DOE-STP Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation – Office of State and Community Energy Programs Fellowship.
The listing is connected with the:
DOE Science, Technology and Policy Program.
Location is listed as:
Varies.
Opportunities Feed Insight
Critical minerals is an increasingly important field because it intersects with:
- Energy technology
- Supply chains
- Manufacturing
- National policy
- Clean-energy development
DOE Workforce Readiness Accelerator for Major Projects
ORISE also lists the:
DOE Workforce Readiness Accelerator for Major Projects (RAMP) Program.
The current location is:
Washington, DC.
The program is linked to:
Community Workforce RAMP Fellowship.
DOE Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Fellowship
A current listing also includes:
DOE-STP Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation – Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office Fellowship.
The opportunity is administered under the:
DOE Science, Technology and Policy Program
with location listed as:
Varies.
DOE Science, Technology and Policy Program
ORISE currently lists a broader:
Department of Energy Science, Technology, and Policy Program
under opportunity number:
DOE-STP-GEN-2026.
The location is listed as:
Varies.
Opportunities Feed Insight
This type of program may appeal to graduates who want to work at the intersection of:
STEM + government + research + policy.
DOE Office of Policy Fellowship
Another visible listing is:
DOE-STP Office of Policy Fellowship Opportunity
with location:
Washington, DC.
This could be particularly relevant for applicants interested in science policy, energy policy or federal program analysis.
Intelligent Document Processing Internship
A more technology-oriented listing is:
Intelligent Document Processing
at:
National Energy Technology Laboratory
under the:
Professional Internship Program.
Location:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Opportunities Feed Insight
This opportunity may be particularly interesting to graduates in areas such as:
- Computer science
- Data science
- Artificial intelligence
- Information systems
- Automation
depending on the full individual opportunity requirements.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Technical and Professional Internships — Spring 2027
A current 2027 listing is:
Technical and Professional Internships – Spring 2027
Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Program:
Technical and Professional Internships
Location:
Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Opportunities Feed Insight
This is one of the strongest current 2027 opportunities in the catalog because it specifically identifies a Spring 2027 cycle.
ORNL Research Student Internships — Spring 2027
ORISE also lists:
Research Student Internships – Spring 2027
at:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location:
Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Opportunities Feed Clarification
The recent-graduate page includes this listing in its sample catalog, but applicants should read the individual opportunity requirements to confirm whether their educational status matches the program.
Geologic Hydrogen Research Opportunity
Another current listing is:
Experimental Study: Geologic Hydrogen from HTHP Water-Rock Reactions
at:
National Energy Technology Laboratory
under the:
Professional Internship Program.
Location:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This may be relevant to graduates in areas such as:
- Geology
- Geochemistry
- Energy research
- Materials science
- Environmental science
depending on the detailed eligibility requirements.
Education Collaboration at ORNL
Another listed opportunity is:
Education Collaboration at ORNL-2026
at:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location:
Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
CO2 Capture Research Opportunity
A visible NETL listing is:
Chemical Analysis of CO2 Capture Solvent Degradation Products.
The opportunity is part of the:
Professional Internship Program
and is located in:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Opportunities Feed Insight
This may appeal to graduates interested in:
- Carbon capture
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- Energy technology
- Climate-related research
Visiting Scholars at ORNL
The page also lists:
Visiting Scholars at ORNL
at:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The visible location is Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
National Energy Technology Laboratory Professional Internship Program
The NETL Professional Internship Program is also listed more broadly.
Location:
Varies.
This broader listing may include multiple technical and professional areas.
Critical Minerals Research Opportunity
Another opportunity is:
Critical Minerals from Domestic Unconventional Feedstocks
at:
National Energy Technology Laboratory
under the Professional Internship Program.
How Do You Find All ORISE Opportunities?
ORISE says the displayed listings are only a sampling of available opportunities.
Applicants can search the Zintellect catalog by:
- Discipline
- Keyword
- Federal agency
- Research area
Once an applicant enters the Zintellect catalog, they can:
- Create a profile
- Review opportunities
- Apply
Opportunities Feed Advice
Do not rely only on the few opportunities visible on the ORISE page.
Use broad and specific search terms such as:
data science
artificial intelligence
engineering
chemistry
biology
energy
policy
cybersecurity
environmental science
to find additional opportunities.
Is Zintellect the ORISE Application Platform?
Yes.
ORISE directs applicants to Zintellect to search current opportunities, create a profile and apply.
Who Can Apply for ORISE Recent Graduate Opportunities?
The recent-graduate page specifically highlights:
recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates.
However, each individual program may have its own exact eligibility rules.
Opportunities Feed Clarification
Do not assume that every ORISE opportunity has the same:
- Degree requirement
- Graduation window
- Citizenship requirement
- GPA requirement
- Field-of-study requirement
Applicants must check each listing separately.
Are ORISE Opportunities Only for Recent Graduates?
No.
ORISE manages programs for multiple participant groups, including:
- Undergraduates
- Graduates
- Recent graduates
- Postdocs
- Faculty
This article focuses specifically on the recent-graduate pathway.
What Fields Are Available?
The supplied page does not provide a complete discipline list.
However, visible opportunities cover areas such as:
- Energy
- Critical minerals
- Policy
- Engineering
- Research
- CO2 capture
- Geologic hydrogen
- Intelligent document processing
Opportunities Feed Insight
This shows that ORISE extends beyond traditional laboratory science.
Graduates in technology, policy and interdisciplinary STEM fields may also find relevant programs.
Are ORISE Internships Paid?
The supplied recent-graduate page does not state one universal stipend or salary.
Some individual ORISE programs may provide stipends or other benefits, but these must be verified on the individual Zintellect listing.
Opportunities Feed Warning
Do not write:
“All ORISE internships are fully paid.”
unless the exact program confirms its stipend.
How Much Is the ORISE Stipend?
There is no universal stipend amount provided on this page.
Compensation may vary by:
- Program
- Degree level
- Location
- Agency
- Appointment type
Applicants should check the individual opportunity listing.
Are Travel Benefits Included?
The supplied page does not state one universal travel benefit.
Some programs may provide travel or relocation support, but this must be confirmed separately.
Is Housing Provided?
No universal housing benefit is stated.
Do not assume housing is included.
Does ORISE Offer Health Insurance?
The supplied page does not provide a universal health-insurance rule for recent-graduate programs.
Check each program individually.
Are ORISE Programs Remote?
Some opportunities list locations such as:
- Washington, DC
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Varies
The supplied page does not establish one universal remote-work policy.
Opportunities Feed Clarification
Do not advertise ORISE generally as a remote internship program.
Are International Applicants Eligible?
The supplied recent-graduate page does not provide a universal international eligibility statement.
Opportunities Feed Warning
Do not interpret a federal research program as automatically open worldwide.
Individual opportunities may have citizenship, residency or work-authorization requirements.
Applicants should verify the exact eligibility section on the specific Zintellect opportunity.
Is U.S. Citizenship Required?
The supplied page does not provide a universal citizenship requirement.
Some ORISE opportunities may require U.S. citizenship or other eligibility conditions, while requirements can vary by program.
Check the individual listing.
Does ORISE Sponsor Visas?
No universal visa-sponsorship commitment is stated on the supplied page.
Do not market ORISE as a visa sponsorship program unless the specific opportunity explicitly says so.
Can ORISE Experience Help With Graduate School?
Yes.
ORISE specifically notes that research experience can give recent graduates laboratory experience before moving on to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Opportunities Feed Insight
Research experience may strengthen future graduate-school applications by helping applicants develop:
- Technical skills
- Research experience
- Professional references
- Exposure to national laboratories
- Understanding of research careers
Professional Development Resources
ORISE also provides professional-development resources for both research and non-research participants.
These are intended to help with:
- Career planning
- Professional development
- Preparing for the next career step
Career Advice and Networking
ORISE’s STEM Connections Blog provides resources related to:
- Résumé preparation
- Networking
- Finding internships and fellowships
- Building STEM careers
Opportunities Feed Insight
Applicants should use these resources before applying because many federal research programs are competitive and require stronger application materials than a basic entry-level résumé.
What Documents Might You Need?
The supplied page does not provide one universal document checklist.
Depending on the program, applicants may need materials such as:
- Résumé or CV
- Academic transcripts
- Educational information
- Research interests
- References
- Personal statement
but exact requirements must be checked in the individual Zintellect listing.
How to Prepare a Strong ORISE Application
A good ORISE application should connect your academic experience to the specific research opportunity.
Focus on:
- Relevant coursework
- Laboratory skills
- Research projects
- Technical tools
- Programming languages
- Data-analysis experience
- Final-year projects
- Academic publications or presentations
- Career goals
Opportunities Feed Advice
Avoid sending the same generic résumé to every ORISE program.
A candidate applying for a:
critical minerals fellowship
should emphasize different skills from someone applying for:
intelligent document processing.
How to Apply for ORISE Opportunities
The process generally starts with the ORISE recent-graduate page and continues through Zintellect.
A practical process is:
search the catalog → open the individual opportunity → read the eligibility requirements → create a Zintellect profile → prepare the required documents → submit the application before the opportunity-specific deadline.
ORISE confirms that candidates can create a profile and apply after entering the Zintellect catalog.
Are There Universal ORISE Deadlines?
No.
Different opportunities have different cycles and deadlines.
The supplied page lists a mix of:
- 2026 programs
- Spring 2027 programs
- 2027 opportunities
- Ongoing/broader program listings
Opportunities Feed Advice
Applicants should not wait for one general “ORISE deadline.”
Monitor individual listings.
Spring 2027 Opportunities to Watch
Two especially notable visible Spring 2027 listings are:
Technical and Professional Internships – Spring 2027
and:
Research Student Internships – Spring 2027
both associated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Opportunities Feed Insight
Because the current date is September 8, 2026, students and graduates targeting Spring 2027 should begin reviewing those listings now rather than assuming applications will remain open indefinitely.
ORISE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Several visible opportunities are connected with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including:
- Technical and Professional Internships
- Research Student Internships
- Education Collaboration
- Visiting Scholars
ORISE and National Energy Technology Laboratory
The current sample also includes multiple opportunities through National Energy Technology Laboratory, including:
- Intelligent Document Processing
- Geologic Hydrogen research
- CO2 Capture research
- Professional Internship Program
- Critical Minerals research
Opportunities Feed Insight
This concentration makes NETL particularly worth monitoring for candidates interested in:
energy + engineering + chemistry + emerging technology + data.
ORISE and the U.S. Department of Energy
DOE is one of the most prominent agencies represented in the recent-graduate sample.
Visible programs include:
- NNSA TEPP
- Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation
- Workforce RAMP
- Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks
- Science, Technology and Policy
- Office of Policy Fellowship
Why ORISE Opportunities Matter
ORISE programs can provide something that is often difficult for new STEM graduates to secure:
real research experience inside federal agencies and national laboratories.
The organization describes these programs as helping grow participants’ STEM expertise and experience.
Who Should Consider Applying?
These opportunities may be particularly relevant for:
- Recent STEM graduates
- Research-oriented graduates
- Engineering graduates
- Science graduates
- Technology graduates
- Data-focused graduates
- Students preparing for graduate school
- Candidates interested in federal research
- Candidates interested in national laboratories
- Early-career professionals seeking technical experience
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Assuming every ORISE opportunity has the same eligibility
- Assuming all programs are paid at the same rate
- Assuming U.S. citizenship is or is not required without checking
- Applying without reading the individual Zintellect listing
- Using one generic résumé for all opportunities
- Ignoring program-specific deadlines
- Assuming every opportunity is remote
- Calling every program an internship when some are fellowships
- Assuming the displayed opportunities are the full catalog
- Confusing ORISE participation with federal permanent employment
Does ORISE Guarantee a Federal Job?
No.
The supplied page does not promise permanent federal employment.
Opportunities Feed Clarification
An internship or fellowship can provide valuable research and professional experience, but it should not be marketed as a guaranteed pathway to a permanent U.S. government job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ORISE?
ORISE is the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Does ORISE offer internships for recent graduates?
Yes. ORISE has a dedicated recent-graduate STEM internships and fellowships pathway.
Who is the recent-graduate pathway for?
The page specifically highlights recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates.
Are there 2027 ORISE opportunities?
Yes. Visible examples include NNSA TEPP 2027, ORNL Technical and Professional Internships – Spring 2027, and ORNL Research Student Internships – Spring 2027.
Does ORISE work with the Department of Energy?
Yes. DOE is one of the major agencies represented in ORISE-administered programs.
Does ORISE work with other federal agencies?
Yes. ORISE says it manages programs for DOE, HHS, DOD, DHS and other federal agencies.
Where do you apply?
Applicants search and apply through the Zintellect platform.
Are ORISE internships paid?
The supplied page does not state one universal pay or stipend amount.
Applicants should check each individual listing.
Are ORISE opportunities remote?
There is no universal remote-work policy on the supplied page.
Are international students eligible?
The supplied page does not provide one universal international eligibility rule.
Is U.S. citizenship required?
The supplied page does not state one universal citizenship requirement. Applicants must check the specific program.
Does ORISE sponsor visas?
No universal visa sponsorship is stated.
Does ORISE offer research experience?
Yes. Research experience is a central part of the recent-graduate pathway.
Can ORISE help before graduate school?
Yes. ORISE specifically notes that research experience can help provide laboratory experience before pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate.
Does ORISE offer professional development?
Yes. ORISE provides professional-development resources for research and non-research participants.
Are all ORISE listings shown on the recent-graduate page?
No. ORISE says the listings shown are only a sampling and encourages applicants to search the broader catalog.
Does ORISE guarantee a federal job?
No permanent-job guarantee is stated.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
ORISE STEM Internships and Fellowships 2026–2027 are worth monitoring for recent STEM graduates who want research, policy, laboratory or technical experience connected with U.S. federal agencies and national laboratories.
The recent-graduate pathway specifically highlights recent bachelor’s and master’s graduates, with ORISE saying these opportunities can help build professional skills and laboratory experience before entering a STEM career or pursuing advanced study.
Current sample opportunities include programs through:
U.S. Department of Energy + National Nuclear Security Administration + Oak Ridge National Laboratory + National Energy Technology Laboratory.
The current catalog includes attractive areas such as:
critical minerals + energy innovation + science and technology policy + intelligent document processing + geologic hydrogen + CO2 capture + professional internships.
There are also visible Spring 2027 Oak Ridge National Laboratory opportunities, making this especially timely for students and graduates planning their next research or professional placement.
Applicants should not assume universal rules for:
- Stipends
- Citizenship
- Visa sponsorship
- Remote work
- Degree requirements
- Deadlines
because each opportunity has its own Zintellect listing and eligibility conditions.
The strongest application strategy is:
search Zintellect by your STEM discipline → identify the most relevant federal or national-laboratory program → verify citizenship and degree requirements → tailor your résumé to the research area → prepare all supporting documents → apply before the specific deadline.
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