Description
The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a postgraduate fellowship in the Center for Technical Intelligence Studies and Research (CTISR) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Eligible applicants may be at any level of postgraduate status, including post-bachelors, post-masters, or postdoctoral.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to design, develop, and implement advanced remote sensing technologies. Research fellows will engage in a collaborative environment that fosters the development of analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Research activities will focus on technical projects that involve the collection of EO/IR data on exquisite sensing platforms, the development and integration of these instruments to optimize data collections, the design of new modalities for collecting EO/IR data, and the analysis and reporting of these data products.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
Engage in research related to infrared radiative transfer modeling, IR sensor and camera system design or integration, and atmospheric propagation analysis
Apply and expand knowledge of experimental physics and/or engineering as you engage in project activities
Gain experience in both laboratory activities and field measurements for a variety of remote sensing projects
Develop skills in software coding and scientific data analysis
Where will I be located?
Dayton, Ohio
What is the anticipated start date?
Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, research background, and location of the research facility. Other provisions may include the following:
Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
Relocation Allowance
Training and Travel Allowance
About AFIT
The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space and cyber forces.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants will hold a degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral) in one of the eligible disciplinary fields. The degree must have been earned within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of EO/IR sensor data
Experience in radiative transfer physics and atmospheric modeling (via MODTRAN or similar codes)
Sensor or camera design, characterization, and integration, and/or electro-optical system performance modeling
Ability to develop software in one or more languages for scientific inquiry
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
Zintellect Profile
Educational and Employment History
Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
Resume (PDF)
Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
If you have questions, send an email to AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFIT-2026-0006] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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Stipend
$4,000.00 – $8,500.00 Monthly
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/1/2026 11:59:00 PM.
Discipline(s): Engineering, Physics
