Goldhaber Fellow

The Department of Energy (DOE) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) sponsors the Gertrude and Maurice Goldhaber Distinguished Fellowships Program. These prestigious fellowships are awarded to candidates with exceptional talent and credentials who have a strong desire for independent research at the frontiers of their fields.

About the role

The Goldhaber Distinguished Fellowships are three-year appointments with a starting annual salary of $108,000. The program provides additional funds to increase the salary to this level, as well as a modest amount of independent funds for materials and supplies. Candidates must have a commitment of support from a prospective mentor at the Lab, who must be able to support the candidate at the standard starting salary for postdoctoral research associates for three years.

The intention of the program is to select individuals who would qualify for research staff positions at BNL upon completion of the appointment. Up to two recipients will be selected for this round of the selection process.

Requirements

• Ph.D. earned no more than three years before the time of application.
• Qualifications aligned with the Lab’s science and technology portfolio.
• Strong desire for independent research at the frontiers of their field.
• Commitment of support from a prospective mentor at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
• Must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.

Application process

Candidates must apply online and attach the following items as a single PDF document:

• A well-organized research proposal outlining research interests (not to exceed three pages; literature references do not count toward the limit). Use the Research Proposal Template.
• A CV including a list of publications.

Three letters of recommendation are required. Candidates must request that their references send letters directly via email to fellowships@bnl.gov, including the candidate’s full name in the subject line. Only the first three letters received will be reviewed. All materials must be received by the application closing date of September 25, 2026. Applications will be accepted from August 13, 2026, until September 25, 2026.

Pay

Starting annual salary: $108,000.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program as part of the compensation package. Review more information about the benefits program.

Schedule

Three-year appointment, onsite at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Additional information

• Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel, including visitors, to produce REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation for federal site access. Learn more about REAL-ID requirements.
• As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, employees must obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).

For inquiries about the program, contact Kathleen Barkigia at barkigia@bnl.gov.