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

3.0
13 May 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

Explore other reviews about ORISE

5.0
28 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Doing Science 100% is nice

Cons

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

4.0
5 Apr 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
1mo
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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