Launched in 2000, the IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is dedicated to funding transformative unclassified research that aligns with the strategic interests of the Intelligence Community (IC). To ensure the research agenda remains responsive to the pressing needs of effective intelligence operations, senior scientists within the IC annually pinpoint vital research topics spanning diverse disciplines, from artificial intelligence, quantum computing and sensing, biotechnology, and energy and power. Primarily supported by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the IC Postdoc Program bridges the research community and the IC by mobilizing top-tier researchers to tackle challenges crucial to IC objectives. Through collaboration among IC Advisors, Postdocs, and Research Advisors, the program not only advances essential scientific inquiry but also nurtures the next generation of intelligence science and technology leaders while strengthening ties with academia.
ACCELERATE YOUR RESEARCH IMPACT IN THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY
The Intelligence Community's Postdoctoral Research Program offers elite scientists an unprecedented opportunity to gain experience conducting fundamental scientific investigations that lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs - often becoming the foundation for commercial solutions that evolve into mission-critical IC capabilities.
Do you have what it takes to join a select cohort of brilliant minds researching the national security's most pressing challenges?
2026/2027 Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Energy and Power, Microelectronics, and Quantum Technologies
Our Cohort 12 postdocs will focus on areas of science and technology to include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy and power, microelectronics or quantum technology applications among others, critical to intelligence and national security. Selected postdoctoral fellows will gain experience researching high-priority challenges under the guidance of experienced IC mentors.
The 2026 Topics can be found on the ORISE ODNI Program website, under "IC Research Opportunities".
What You'll Experience
You'll participate in:
Quarterly research reviews with direct IC feedback
IC Community research results showcase
Research related conference(s)
Collaborative opportunities with fellow IC Postdocs
Elite Standards, Exceptional Opportunities and Postdoc Accomplishments
We're seeking candidates with outstanding academic credentials, exceptional character, and high motivation who want to make a difference in areas vital to national security.
The Program Offers:
An annual stipend ranging from $87,000 to $82,000 to include a health insurance stipend
Travel allowance for conference attendance
Laboratory budget allowance
Relocation allowance up to $3,500 for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way to the assigned hosting site
Direct mentorship from IC subject matter experts
Opportunity to gain experience researching problems at the forefront of national security
Postdoc Eligibility
U.S. citizens only
Ph.D. in a relevant field must be completed before beginning the appointment and within five years of the appointment start date
Proposal must be associated with an accredited U.S. university, college, or U.S. government laboratory
Eligible candidates may only receive one award from the ORISE Research Participation Programs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Research Advisor Eligibility
Must be an employee of an accredited U.S. university, college or U.S. government laboratory
About Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is a U.S. Department of Energy asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination.
ORISE accomplishes its mission by providing superior, integrated solutions to:
Recruit and prepare the next generation of our nation’s scientific workforce
Promote sound scientific and technical investment decisions through independent peer reviews
Facilitate and prepare for the medical management of radiation incidents in the United States and abroad
Evaluate health outcomes in individuals exposed to chemical and radiological hazards
Ensure public confidence in environmental cleanup through independent environmental assessments
ORISE performs this work for DOE and its national laboratory system and for non-DOE entities through the Strategic Partnership Projects program.
