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Program Administration

We believe in enabling science. One of ORAU’s capabilities is the implementation and operation of career-launching programs in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, including postdoctoral research programs. Since 1951, ORAU has been committed to enabling and enhancing career paths for those just launching their scientific careers to senior scientists who are building experience while furthering the missions of research organizations around the country.

We have successfully managed programs for various goverment agencies, including NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army. In 2005, NASA awarded ORAU the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP), and ORAU successfully operated this effort until 2016, delivering excellence in performance, professionalism, and quality of care for a decade. ORAU began managing this NASA program again in 2022.

What we offer

ORAU maintains a robust technical infrastructure and experienced education and operations staff to professionally administer every aspect of a premier internship, fellowship, research, or contractual program, including:

Marketing and communication
Full immigration services
Applicant recruiting and development
Award administration
Administration of benefits

Program evaluation and assessment/impact and tracking
Expert merit review capabilities
Training and enrollment
Full payroll capability for administering stipends, tax withholding and documentation, and fellow expenses

NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers unique research opportunities to engage in ongoing NASA research projects with top scientists at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These fellowships are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Army Research Laboratory

Scientists and engineers at the Army Research Laboratory support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields. The Research Associates Program includes opportunities for students at all levels, including undergraduate students, graduates at all degree levels, and postdoctoral researchers with up to five years of experience, to work alongside U.S. Army scientists.

A participant explains his research with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory

Contact us

If you have questions about contracting options, contact the ORAU Contracts Administration Office at (865) 576-7618 or angela.holmberg@orau.org.