A new DARPA effort aims to recruit standout scientists and engineers beginning their careers for a two-year position at the agency. The DARPA Innovation Fellowship Program will select fellows to develop and manage a portfolio of high-impact, exploratory research efforts to help identify breakthrough technologies for the Department of Defense.
Why become a DARPA Innovation Fellow?
Fellows will push the limits of existing technology through the rapid exploration of a high volume of promising new ideas focused on answering high risk/high reward “what if?” questions and assessing the impact of further investment.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to work with DARPA program managers as well as the university, industry, and non-profit performers who work on DARPA-funded research. Being a DARPA Innovation Fellow is a great way to begin a career in the sciences. DARPA Innovation Fellows will have the opportunity to make extensive connections across an extraordinarily rich, technologically-focused network. The fellowship is an in-person salaried position at DARPA in Arlington, Virginia. Fellows will be part of the Defense Sciences Office; however, the fellows will work across disciplines represented in all DARPA technical offices. More information on the office focus areas can be found at DARPA Offices.
Who may apply to become a DARPA Innovation Fellow?
Recent Ph.D. graduates (within five years of receiving a doctorate) and active-duty military with STEM degrees may apply to become a DARPA Innovation Fellow. In exceptional cases, DARPA may consider bachelor- or master’s-level candidates with STEM degrees. As DARPA is part of the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. citizenship is required for the fellowship, and selected candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
How to apply to become a DARPA Innovation Fellow?
To begin the application process, submit a cover letter describing your background and interest in the program and resume to fellowship@darpa.mil. The initial class of DARPA Innovation Fellows is expected to start in January 2023, with additional classes starting every six months.
Thank you for your interest in the Defense Sciences Office.