Distinguished Staff Fellowship Program
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory conducting multidisciplinary research in computing, AI, energy, materials, nuclear science, neutron science, isotopes, and national security.
Funding history
Investors
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is a government-owned, contractor-operated U.S. Department of Energy research laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. UT-Battelle operates ORNL for DOE; the laboratory currently provides AI and high-performance-computing capabilities alongside science and engineering research infrastructure.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will conduct high-quality, high-impact scientific research during a three-year appointment. You will follow a mentorship plan, develop leadership in your field, represent the laboratory in interactions with research sponsors, and align your work with the fellowship’s targeted research directions.
Requirements
- PhD in a STEM or National Security field received no more than five years before the application date, or expected no later than six months after the application date
- Completion of all degree requirements before starting the appointment
- Current or recent ORNL postdoctoral researchers and staff members are ineligible
- Submit a research statement, unofficial PhD transcript, CV or resume, cover letter, and three recommendation letters by the deadline
Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality and high-impact scientific research during the three-year appointment
- Carry out a mentorship plan that integrates you into the scientific community
- Develop leadership in your field and represent the laboratory with research sponsors
- Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values
Benefits
- Medical plan
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site banking facilities
- On-site cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity-theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Educational assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts
Hiring Process
Submit the required application materials by October 16, 2026. The Distinguished Fellowship Committee evaluates candidates based on excellence and research-topic relevance after the application period closes; candidates may be notified several weeks later.