Young scientists are brought to the institute through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Program for college students and recent graduates.
The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) operates the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) research participation program (RPP) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). A memorandum of agreement has been established with the DoE for Department of Defense (DoD) ORISE participation.
The ORISE RPP was established to broaden the nation’s base of scientists and engineers by providing participants practical research experience in their field of study.
The ORISE Program at MRICD
- Participants in the MRICD ORISE program are not employees of the MRICD. Participants are appointed to gain hands-on research experience.
- Candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Stipends are set according to education level to be consistent with salaries of federal employees.
- Participants must have health insurance coverage prior to appointment. A health insurance supplement is provided in addition to the stipend.
- Full-time participants accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave each month.
- Participants observe all federal holidays.
- Relocation expenses for the appointment may be reimbursed.
- Participants are highly encouraged to attend scientific meetings and events, and travel expenses are covered.
- The MRICD recognizes achievements of ORISE participants with certificates of achievement at official awards ceremonies.
Available Research Participation Programs
Student RPP
The student RPP provides undergraduate or graduate student opportunities to enhance educational development by providing practical research experience related to their academic pursuits. Summer internships and part-time participation are available to students in good academic standing (maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5), currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, and taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic year.
Postgraduate RPP
Graduates who have earned an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field within the last 5 years from an accredited college or university are eligible for the postgraduate RPP. Research appointments under this program are for up to 1 year and are renewable for up to 5 years of participation.
