NCTR provides opportunities for post graduate scientists, college/university faculty members, and others to obtain hands-on laboratory experience by working with experienced scientific researchers through the Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE) Program.  These non-civil service employment opportunities are available in the following areas:

Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE) Postgraduate Research Program

This program allows recent postgraduates (postdoctoral, predoctoral, and postbaccalaurate) an opportunity to initiate and conduct independent or collaborative research which complements projects at NCTR. Applicants should have received a graduate degree in an appropriate discipline within three years of the desired starting date, or should expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired starting date. This program is open to all qualified U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, and foreign nationals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, handicap or national origin. Appointments are for one year and can be extended for additional periods up to three years in one-year increments. Applications must be submitted to: ORISE Postgraduate Research Program, PO Box 117, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117. ORISE provides no benefits for these temporary appointments. All participants must have health insurance prior to the effective date of appointment, and NCTR provides a monthly allowance (added to the stipend) for the purchase of health insurance. ORISE will process a J-1 visa or accept an F-1 (Period of Practical Training) visa according to Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requirements for a foreign national applicant selected for the program. www.orau.gov/orise.htm

ORISE Faculty Research Program

This program provides university faculty the opportunity to initiate and conduct independent or collaborative research which complements projects at NCTR. Those participants with sabbatical appointments must have one-half of their salary paid by their home institution. Participants must be full-time faculty members at accredited U.S. or foreign colleges or universities. The program is open to all qualified U.S. residents and permanent resident aliens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, handicap or national origin. Appointments are usually for one month to 12 weeks during the summer. Sabbatical appointments are available during the academic year. Stipends are provided, although there is no allowance for the purchase of health insurance. No benefits are provided and appointees must have health insurance. ORISE will process a J-1 visa according to INS requirements for a foreign national applicant selected for the program. www.orau.gov/orise.htm

ORISE Foreign National Training Program

The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for recent postgraduates and full-time university faculty members from foreign countries to initiate and conduct independent or collaborative research that complements projects at NCTR. Appointments range from one month to one year and may be extended in increments of one year or less until the research is completed. No benefits are provided and appointees must have health and medical insurance. ORISE will process a J-1 visa (Exchange Visitor Program) according to INS requirements for a foreign national applicant selected for the program. www.orau.gov/orise.htm

Science Internship Program (SIP)

The Science Internship Program is designed for science and mathematics students enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate schools located in the NCTR commuting area. The program provides long-term development and hands-on research and laboratory experience mentored by FDA scientists for students preparing for future careers in toxicology, regulatory science, or related scientific disciplines. During regular semesters, student participants may work a maximum of 20 hours per week and convert to 40 hours per week during holiday periods and summer. Stipends are determined by the level of education and are considered fellowship grants. Applicants must be in good standing at an accredited U.S. college or university or accepted as an entering graduate student at an accredited U.S. college or university, have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher (based on A=4.0), a U.S citizen, and provide proof of health insurance prior to beginning an appointment. Students may apply at any time. www.orau/orise.htm

Interdisciplinary Toxicology (INTOX) Program

The INTOX program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is an accredited graduate program which grants advanced degrees in toxicology. The program generally takes four to five years to complete and, according to a UAMS/NCTR agreement, INTOX students may have an ORISE student research appointment that allows them to conduct original research at NCTR to fulfill Ph.D. requirements. As is the case for all ORISE appointments, students receive stipends and must have health insurance.  Contact:  Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, UAMS (www.uams.edu/pharmtox/toxicology).