Better pay and flexibility, but poor management communication - Research Fellow ORISE Employee Review

3.0
May 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Better pay than average for graduate students Good freedom and flexibility

Cons

Poor communication and organization from management led to missed pay on multiple occasions. This falls more on ORISE mentors than on ORISE management itself. Liability concerns restricted research opportunities

ORISE Response
4d
Hello and thank you for your response. Please reach out to us - either to your appointment point of contact or to our general email at ExperienceORISE@orau.org. We are happy to discuss your experience and the concerns you have. ORISE appointments are learning-based internships, fellowships and postdoctoral opportunities that supplement your education and offer the ability to build skills, make connections, and discover interests as you experience research and collaboration under the mentorship of the nation's leading STEM experts at premier national laboratories and scientific facilities across the country, Though not employment, these research appointments provide entry into a network of connections and a chance to collaborate and learn from the nation's leading STEM experts. The mentor/mentee relationship is a very important part of the experience and ORISE supplements that daily, hands-on learning with additional professional development and networking opportunities across our global ORISE Community that we hope you were able to take advantage of and plan to continue as an alumni member!

Explore other reviews about ORISE

5.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Doing Science 100% is nice

Cons

No benefits are included, only an option to buy health insurance

ORISE Response
4d
Hello and thank you for your response! We are glad to hear you are enjoying your experience. ORISE appointments are learning-based internships, fellowships and postdoctoral opportunities that supplement your education and offer the ability to build skills, make connections, and discover interests as you experience research and collaboration under the mentorship of the nation's leading STEM experts at premier national laboratories and scientific facilities across the country, Though not employment, these research appointments provide entry into a network of connections and a chance to collaborate and learn from the nation's leading STEM experts. If you haven't already, be sure to take advantage of the "extras" available to the ORISE Community such as the opportunity to engage, collaborate, and continue learning and networking across STEM disciplines and interests at www.oriseconnections.com as well as monthly/quarterly professional development events and a variety of resources that continue to assist you in your STEM career path. If you have any questions on other available provisions for your specific program, please reach out to your ORISE program contacts or to ExperienceORISE@orau.org. Thank you!
4.0
Apr 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

ORISE Fellowships provide a great opportunity to gain experience in government technical settings.

Cons

As an ORISE Fellow you don't have official PTO, can't contribute to retirement accounts, and are not edible for unemployment if your agency suddenly cancels the ORISE program.

ORISE Response
2mo
Hello and thank you for your response! We are glad to hear you are enjoying your experience. ORISE appointments are learning-based internships, fellowships and postdoctoral opportunities that supplement your education and offer the ability to build skills, make connections, and discover interests as you experience research and collaboration under the mentorship of the nation's leading STEM experts at premier national laboratories and scientific facilities across the country, Though not employment, these research appointments provide entry into a network of connections and a chance to collaborate and learn from the nation's leading STEM experts. If you haven't already, be sure to take advantage of the "extras" available to the ORISE Community such as the opportunity to engage, collaborate, and continue learning and networking across STEM disciplines and interests at www.oriseconnections.com as well as monthly/quarterly professional development events and a variety of resources that continue to assist you in your STEM career path. If you have any questions, please reach out to your ORISE program contacts or to ExperienceORISE@orau.org.
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