Distinguished Staff Fellowship Program (Science Research)

Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA; three-year appointment.

Company

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory focused on scientific breakthroughs and solutions for energy, environmental, and national security challenges.

What you will do

• Conduct high-quality, high-impact scientific research during the three-year fellowship appointment.
• Develop and execute research addressing a grand challenge aligned with ORNL programs and targeted research directions.
• Leverage or advance AI, advanced computing, data, automation, and other emerging capabilities to accelerate discovery.
• Participate in a mentorship plan and integrate into ORNL’s scientific community.
• Build leadership in the field and represent the laboratory in interactions with colleagues, the DOE, and other research sponsors.
• Work according to ORNL’s values of impact, integrity, teamwork, safety, and service.

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.
• All degree requirements must be completed before the appointment begins.
• Current or recent ORNL postdoctoral researchers and ORNL staff members are not eligible.
• Ability to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing research priorities in a fast-paced research environment.

Nice to have

• Research expertise aligned with biology and the environment, clean energy, fusion and fission, isotope science, materials science, national security, neutron science, or supercomputing.
• Experience contributing to one or more targeted directions such as future computing, AI, autonomous science, quantum, biotechnology, nuclear solutions, fusion, grid systems, or secure resilient energy systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Three years of fellowship funding establish a foundation for a long-term research career at ORNL.
• Medical, dental, vision, retirement, pension, life insurance, and disability benefits.
• Vacation, holidays, parental leave, educational assistance, wellness programs, and employee assistance.
• Flexible work hours, on-site fitness, banking, cafeteria facilities, and employee discounts.
• Relocation assistance and flexible spending and health savings accounts.

Hiring process

• Submit a research statement, unofficial PhD transcript, CV or resume, cover letter, and three recommendation letters.
• Applications are accepted from September 1 through September 30, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST.
• A panel of scientists evaluates candidate excellence and the relevance of the proposed research after the application window closes.