Cognitive Neuroscience Research Fellowship

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

AFRL-711HPW-2026-0006

How To Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

The Air Force Research Laboratory 711 Human Performance Wing is offering a graduate student or postdoctoral fellowship at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

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 evaluate neurotechnologies that enhance cognitive and physical performance (e.g., arousal, attention, learning, memory and multitasking) and preserve performance for extended periods. The project will seek to validate effectiveness of candidate neurotechnologies in simulated and operational environments to facilitate transition to the warfighter.

Why should I apply?

Education

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 areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Collecting cognitive neuroscience data
• Learning non-invasive neuromodulation techniques and how those can affect cognitive performance and subjective mood
• Engaging with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and military operators to conduct human subject research activities
• Creating protocols, proposals, technical reports, and presentations related to cognitive modeling

Where will I be located?

Bossier City, Louisiana

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?

This appointment is a nine-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a 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

You must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance for the duration of your appointment. It is expected that after completing the necessary application for clearance a fitness determination will allow participation to begin with unclassified material, while awaiting a clearance.

About AFRL 711HPW

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.

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

The qualified candidate will have earned a doctoral degree within 36 months of appointment start date, or are currently pursuing a masters or doctoral degree, in psychology, engineering, or related scientific background areas.

Preferred Skills

• Human subjects' data collection
• Writing technical papers

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 ***email_hidden***. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFRL-711HPW-2026-0006] 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.

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Point of Contact

Leslie

Eligibility Requirements

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 36 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
• Engineering (<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="popover" tabindex="0" role="button" data-bs-title="Engineering" data-bs-content="
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
  • Engineering (General)
  • Engineering Sciences
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Systems Engineering (including Human Systems)
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (5 )