Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Fellowship: U.S. Department of Energy

Application Deadline

1/15/2025 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Please note that only applications submitted via Zintellect (linked in this posting below) will be reviewed and selected.

Apply now! https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-EERE-STP-SETO-2025-2100 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science, Technology, and Policy (STP) Program is seeking to develop future leaders in energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. These EERE STP Program appointments provide an opportunity for highly talented scientists, engineers, and technical professionals (e.g. business analysts, graphic designers, informaticians) to participate in programming and analysis at EERE offices in Washington, DC. The Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) drives research, manufacturing, and market solutions to make the abundant solar energy resources in the United States more affordable and accessible for Americans. We do not set policy, nor do we influence policymaking decisions. It is our mission to implement national renewable energy policy through the creation of competitive funding opportunities for solar research, development, and demonstration.

Applicants selected to participate will join the SETO teams responsible for executing the office's initiatives and mission. SETO applications are reviewed (and offers are made) two times per year with an application deadline for this opportunity on Jan 15, 2025. All recommendations must be received by 11:59:59 Eastern Time Zone on Jan 19, 2025 for your application to be considered. The application review process takes approximately 3-4 months. This Fellowship is typically offered as an initial one-year appointment with a second year offer to extend the appointment, contingent on an annual review. There is potential to extend the appointment for additional years under certain circumstances. All appointment extensions are made at the discretion of the sponsoring office. Your learning opportunities may include:

• Collaborating with the active project management of SETO awards
• Engaging with stakeholders across industry, national labs, universities, and more
• Participating in strategic planning for SETO and other DOE initiatives
• Analysis and generating reports on current topics within the solar industry

These activities may be carried out in collaboration with teams of multi-level federal employees, other participants, support service contractors, and experts from national laboratories.

In particular, SETO is seeking Fellows with background in the following areas, but may consider additional relevant backgrounds:

• Photovoltaic technologies
• Concentrating solar-thermal power technologies
• Grid systems integration technologies
• Solar siting, permitting, interconnection, and market analysis
• Manufacturing and technology transfer
• Energy access and environmental justice
• Solar project development and financing
• Solar installation experience, workforce development, and training
• State and local government programs and policy
• Communications, graphic design, and stakeholder engagement

Stipend and Allowances

SETO offers a competitive stipend for participation in this program. While exact stipends can vary based upon academic and professional background, SETO anticipates candidates will start their Fellowship at the following stipend rates: post-Bachelor's at $68,000; post-Master's at $75,000; post-Ph.D. at $99,000. For those with significant academic background and/or professional experience following their degree, stipends will be determined on an individual basis.

This Fellowship also offers a range of additional allowances including: a medical, dental, and vision insurance supplement, a local transportation stipend, and scheduled absences observed during federal holidays. A one-time allowance of $5,000 will be issued to offset expenses incurred in relocating from current address to Washington, D.C. (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application). Participants will receive a travel and research allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover expenses for scientific and professional development activities. Fellows may be offered a second-year extension with an increase in stipend and cost of living adjustment. Past Fellows have gone on to take a wide range of permanent positions in industry, academia, and government.

For more information about Fellowships with SETO in the EERE Science, Technology and Policy Program, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/fellowships-and-research-opportunities.

Appointment Location

Washington, D.C.

This Fellowship is based in Washington, D.C. Fellows are required to report in-person according to SETO’s schedule. Currently, in-office presence in Washington D.C. is required 20% of the time, on the Tuesday and Wednesday of every other week. The other 80% of the time is flexible between remote or in-person participation. This schedule may be subject to change at any time.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.

The onboarding process for the ORISE SETO Fellowship will take approximately three months, and there is an additional eight week minimum between the time an offer is made and a possible start date. Most fellows start between 5 to 9 months after this posting closes, with room for flexibility. However, it is unlikely that start dates before June 15 will be honored.