Intelligence Community - Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: TRANSFORMING SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY INTO NATIONAL SECURITY ADVANTAGE

Where Intelligence Innovation Meets Mission Impact – Apply Your Experience to America’s Most Critical Challenges

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?

Why Join the IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 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. 2026/2027 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 $91,000 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 Qualifications 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 Are not required to be U.S. citizens