DHS Graduate Research Fellowship

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now accepting applications for: DHS Graduate Research Fellowship
Application Deadline: 11/13/2026 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs sponsors the DHS Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This fellowship is designed to strengthen the nation’s scientific and technical workforce by supporting graduate education and advancing research that contributes to the safety, security, and resilience of the United States.
This unique opportunity supports the Department’s goal to develop a new generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts who are critically important to the overall Department of Homeland Security mission.
As a participant in the Research Fellowship Program, you will participate in applied research with federal research facilities and other homeland security STEM-focused entities nationwide. You will be fully onsite or in both an onsite and virtual (on campus) environment. Designed to cultivate and increase the number of U.S. citizens trained in STEM disciplines important to homeland security, this experience will provide you with a competitive edge as you gain experience in the application of your education, talent, and skills in a variety of settings across the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).
You will also establish connections with DHS professionals that facilitate long-term relationships between yourself, researchers, operational personnel, and research facilities.
The DHS Graduate Research Fellowship Program accepts applications from students currently pursuing a doctoral degree and those who are recent post-doctoral graduates in a STEM field relevant to DHS missions:
Enforcing and administering immigration laws
Securing our Land and Maritime Borders
Safeguarding cybersecurity and financial integrity
Countering evolving threats, terrorism, and transnational crime
Strengthening resilience and critical infrastructure protection
Protecting and facilitating lawful trade and travel
Enhancing physical protection, safety, and security
Provisions
Stipend: A total of $90,000 for the 12-month appointment is provided.
Health Insurance Allowance: An allowance of up to $550 per month for the duration of the appointment.
Dislocation or Inbound/Outbound Travel: A dislocation allowance of $3,500 OR an inbound/outbound allowance up to $1,000 may be provided for eligible participants who live more than fifty miles, one-way, from the assigned hosting site and who meet other criteria
Travel Allowance: Participants will receive up to $5,000 for academic conference attendance in support of the research project, professional development, and/or other travel in support of the appointment as requested by DHS.
Nature of Appointment
Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DHS, or the hosting facility. Instead, participants will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE Letter of Appointment and Terms of Appointment.
Contact us at dhsed@orau.org with reference code: DHS-GRF-2027-Summer if you have any questions.
We look forward to receiving your application!

Work arrangement
Yes