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?

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 $82,000 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

Create and release your Profile on Zintellect – Applicants must create an account and complete a profile in the on-line application system.  Please note: your resume/CV may not exceed 3 pages.

Complete your application – Enter the rest of the information required for the ICPD opportunity. The application itself contains detailed instructions for: indicating topic(s) you are applying to, eligibility, transcripts, proposal components, and information about your Research Advisor co-applicant.

2026 IC Research Topics: Please visit the ORISE ODNI Research Participation Program website to review the 2026 IC Postdoctoral Program Research Topics. When completing your application, there will be designated fields to include the reference code (begins with ICPD-2026-) and research topic title you are interested in applying to (found on the above website). Please be sure to note both exactly as they appear on the website so we can ensure your application is paired with the correct topic for review. 

Need additional information on how to write a strong proposal? Please visit the program website and watch the various resource videos available on the ICPD Information for Applicants page, including "Panel Discussion: Research Proposal Writing Guidance"

Questions about this opportunity? Please email ICPostdoc@orau.org.