POSITION DESCRIPTION:

ARPA-E is looking for the next generation of scientists and engineers to help direct the future of American energy innovation. We are looking for creative thinkers to work on the most pressing and exciting challenges in energy. During their two-year tenure at ARPA-E headquarters in Washington D.C., Fellows conduct independent research and analysis into technological whitespaces, contribute to new program development, and engage with innovators in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, start-ups, and government. Fellows play a vital role in furthering ARPA-E’s mission of developing transformational energy technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify technological white spaces and conduct independent technoeconomic research and analysis.
• Communicate findings internally at ARPA-E as well as at external meetings and conferences.
• Develop original technical content for the annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.
• Publish research papers, reviews and/or perspective articles.
• Contribute to new program development by working alongside Program Directors.
• Attend program kickoffs, workshops, annual reviews, and site visits to current project teams.
• Review proposals for existing funding opportunities.
• Source new ideas and project teams for potential future funding opportunities.
• Guide agency strategy by actively engaging in technical discussions and participating in a host of ARPA-E events.
• Lead outreach activities and support a broad range of ARPA-E initiatives on an ad hoc basis.
• Engage with researchers in academia, industry, and government as well as business professionals at start-ups and large corporations.

Prior experience in energy-related research and/or commercialization is not required. ARPA-E Fellows do not perform laboratory research or directly engage in policymaking.

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in science or engineering. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. within the last 5 years OR plan to complete their Ph.D. within 1 year of applying to the position.
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Ability to initiate independent projects and work across disciplines.
• Passion to change the world through energy technology research and development.
• U.S. citizenship.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Fellows typically serve a two-year term at ARPA-E.
• Fellows are based at ARPA-E headquarters in Washington, D.C. (fully remote work not possible).
• Fellows receive a budget for professional development and travel.
• Fellows are full-time federal employees, are paid a competitive salary, and receive full benefits.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS [approximate timeline*]:

• Written application

[applications typically accepted bi-annually]

• Phone interview: select candidates will be invited for a phone interview

[notification within approximately six weeks of written application deadline]

• Final round interview: select candidates will be invited for a final round in-person interview

[scheduled within approximately six weeks of phone interview]

• All dates are approximate and subject to change.

To apply to the ARPA-E Fellows Program, please respond thoughtfully to the prompts shown and submit a cover letter, current CV, and contact information for three references by the deadline of 11:59pm ET on April 24, 2026.

Questions can be directed via email to ARPA-E-jobs@hq.doe.gov with the words, “ARPA-E Fellows” in the subject heading.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers to the essay questions will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Employment Type: FULL_TIME