PNNL’s annual fellowship supports recent and upcoming science and engineering PhD graduates who design an original research and development project. Fellows use PNNL resources and receive mentoring from its researchers, with work based at an appropriate U.S. site or arranged virtually or on a hybrid basis at management’s discretion.
The 2027 appointment is expected to begin in fall 2027. Proposed work should fit Scientific Discovery, Sustainable Energy, National Security, or Data Science & Computing, and applicants must explain why PNNL is the right host.
Benefits & funding
- The position pays a fixed salary of US$118,000 per year.
- PNNL provides full funding for the fellow’s proposed research program, together with access to laboratory resources and research mentors.
- Eligible employees may receive health coverage, relocation support, a company-funded pension, a matched 401(k), up to 120 vacation hours each year, and ten paid holidays.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have earned an accredited science or engineering PhD in 2024 or later, or complete it by August 31, 2027.
- The degree field must relate to PNNL mission areas, and applicants must show the legal right to work in the United States.
- A complete application must include the required cover letter, CV, and research proposal in one PDF uploaded under Additional Documents.
- Selected hires must complete the applicable federal background review; foreign nationals without three consecutive years of U.S. residence follow the published LSSO risk-determination route instead of the initial PIV route.
Can you apply?
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Education required
PhD
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Application process
- 1Open the PNNL careers listing and submit the online application by 4:00 p.m. PST on October 15, 2026.
- 2Prepare one PDF containing a cover letter, current CV, and research proposal, then upload it under Additional Documents.
- 3In the cover letter, identify the one listed research category that best fits the proposed program; include an ORCID link in the CV if available.
- 4Explain the planned activities, novelty, expected impact, and institutional fit, citing three PNNL-authored publications from the past five years that connect to the proposal or relevant PNNL expertise and facilities.
Program timeline
Application deadline
October 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. PST
Latest permitted PhD completion date
August 31, 2027
Fellowship expected to start
Fall 2027