AFIT Operations Research & Data Science Student/Recent Graduate Fellowship

The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a research fellowship in Operations Research (OR) & Data Science (DS) available to current students (undergraduate or graduate) as well as recent degree recipients. 

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 provide professional development through a structured, short-term appointment. The program is intended for students and postgraduates who seek to gain exposure to AFIT's scientific expertise and mission-driven environment. Through this experience, participants will enhance their understanding of research practices, technologies, and disciplines relevant to AFIT's mission areas. The fellowship aims to strengthen collaborations between AFIT and external researchers by fostering research partnerships that may outlast the initial appointment.

Opportunities are open in a variety of related subject areas, with candidate selections and stipend arrangements based upon research interest and academic status.

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 domains. Available topical areas include, but are not limited to:

• Optimization
• Reinforcement learning
• Bayesian analysis
• Applied statistics
• Network routing
• Agent-based simulation
• Behavioral economics
• Game theory
• Decision theory
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence

Where will I be located? 

Both local and remote opportunities are available. Any in-person activities are likely to take place at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 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? 

Appointments generally last between two to three months, but some variability exists. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant. 

What are the provisions? 

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. 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

A qualified applicant should have earned or be currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in any of the disciplines in the eligibility section of the opportunity.  Degree holders should have earned their degree within 5 years of the appointment start date.

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-2026-0004] 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.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Stipend

$4,000.00 – $7,000.00 Monthly

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.