Duties
This vacancy announcement will be open from 07/30/2026 to 08/05/2026, or when 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
The Office of Conventional Dual-Use Technology Controls (ACN/CDT) proposes a semester-long research project for a SoS student to conduct an open source review of recent developments (January 2025 – Present) in the semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) industry, with a particular focus on advanced packaging equipment. The project will focus on assessing technical progress and shifts in global market positioning among a defined group of SME companies.
The project’s primary objective is to improve the Department’s understanding of recent changes in SME. The student will conduct structured, open-source research on target companies and equipment, with particular attention to technological advances, changes in equipment capabilities, and shifts in companies’ positions within the global market. The student will also identify relevant technical parameters and specifications of the reviewed SME.
The student will synthesize their research into written and visual deliverables, including a paper analyzing significant technological and market developments in SME and an accompanying visual product presenting the project’s key findings. The student will also brief CDT officers and other relevant Department stakeholders on the results of the research.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Conditions of employment
To participate in this Program, you must:
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. Students studying abroad are ineligible for application. All remote work must be completed domestic within the United States.
Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution for the Spring 2027 semester.
Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
Commit to volunteering 8 – 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Federal agency and your academic institution.
Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs.
Specifically, applicants should meet the following criteria:
The ideal student would have a broad interest in and knowledge of the intersection of emerging technology, national security, and foreign policy. Students majoring in science or engineering are preferred, but not required.
The student should have strong research, writing, and briefing skills. They should be comfortable conducting independent open-source research, evaluating technical information, and synthesizing complex findings into clear written and visual products. The student should also be able to communicate research findings effectively to a policy audience.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution for the Spring 2027 semester. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
Students studying abroad are ineligible for application. All remote work must be completed domestic within the United States.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
1. This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
Required Documents
- Include any supporting documents that don't fit within another category or are listed in the job announcement.
- Proof of enrollment shows that you are enrolled in a school or training.
- Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.
- See the job announcement for what you should include in the supplemental application.
- Transcripts may support your qualifications for a federal job and can include high school, college or other schools.
1. To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing:
• Your work experience to include start and end dates.
• Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
• Any knowledge, skills or abilities you’ve gained through education that relate to the project.
2. Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.