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Technology-to-Market Scholar – Technical Analysis and Market Potential for AI/ML Tools (Summer 2021)

Posted on: December 2, 2020 Apply Now
Internship Expires February 1, 2021

Technical Analysis and Market Potential for AI/ML Tools
Background

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that funds creative, out-of-the-box, transformational energy technologies that are too early stage for private investment. ARPA-E programs provide top energy researchers with funding, technical assistance, and tech-to-market guidance to radically improve U.S. energy security, energy efficiency, and environmental well-being. The driving question behind all ARPA-E programs is “If it works, will it matter?”

ARPA-E recruits scholars who have a unique combination of technical and business skills to assist in defining commercialization pathways for high-impact technology development programs. This internship opportunity offers experience in advancing the transition of cutting-edge energy technologies to market applications in a fast-paced environment.

Opportunity

ARPA-Es DIFFERENTIATE program seeks to develop Machine Learning (ML) Tools that can accelerate product development across multiple sectors such as conventional and renewable energy, materials, aviation, electricity etc. These tools can notionally complement or replace existing physics based modeling solutions that industry participants are currently utilizing to improve current products or develop new products. The notional benefits of using these tools include reduced costs and increased market share, due to faster product adoption. Furthermore, since these tools are computationally less intensive to utilize compared to physics based models, there could be an energy reduction benefit for the rapidly growing data center sector.

ARPA-E is seeking a scholar to research the technical benefits of utilizing the tools developed under the DIFFERENTIATE program compared to competing alternatives. Additionally, the scholar should also research the market potential for these tools, across a broad range of sectors.

The ARPA-E’s Scholars Program is designed to prepare ARPA-E-funded technologies to achieve maximum impact and return on investment for ARPA-E project teams, stakeholders, and our Nation’s taxpayers. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work under and interface with the ARPA-E Technology-to-Market team, ARPA-E Program Directors, and ARPA-E Fellows. We are seeking graduate students interested in conducting the following work:

  • Identify AI/ML technical approaches that are being utilized across various sectors e.g. aerospace, materials development etc. specifically to accelerate the research and development process
  • Provide a qualitative assessment of the most promising technical approaches for these sectors
  • Identify/profile 2-3 leading companies (minimum of one small business) that are pursuing the technical approach and provide an assessment of the opportunities and challenges for that company

The ideal candidate(s) will have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. engineering, computer science, economics, etc.), be in the midst of completing a graduate level degree, preferably M.S., MBA or PhD, and have relevant work experience to include:

  • Technical experience in designing AI/ML tools for various applications (does not have to be energy industry specific)
  • Familiarity with the basics of market analysis
  • General energy trends across various sectors

Applicants should be prepared for deep immersion into the project and must be comfortable working independently. Job requirements include strong analytical, written and oral communication abilities.

Each selected Scholar will be paid a weekly stipend and travel costs; length of stay can be negotiated, but typically ranges from 8-12 weeks. All positions will be based at ARPA-E’s headquarters in Washington, DC. This opportunity is available only to U.S. citizens.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Highly motivated candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter, a writing sample, and two references at

https://arpa-e.energy.gov/career/job-opportunities. Questions can be directed via email to ARPA-E-jobs@hq.doe.gov with the words “Energy Scholars” in the subject heading.

Applications are due no later than Sunday, January 31, 2021, and will be processed on a rolling schedule. Interested parties are encouraged to apply early.

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