NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program – Class of 2027
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) administers the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) on behalf of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). NGFP is a 12-month, salaried fellowship that places top talent in NNSA program offices in Washington, D.C., or at NNSA site locations nationwide to support critical national security missions. Fellows engage in technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication, and resource management while participating in exclusive professional development opportunities.
About the role
Fellows support a broad range of NNSA priorities, including stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, administrative and financial support, and more. The fellowship runs full-time from June 2027 to June 2028.
Responsibilities
- Provide support to national and international NNSA programs.
- Coordinate tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Participate in multidisciplinary work combining technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication, and resource management.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance, including a background investigation covering employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law and PNNL’s Workplace Substance Abuse Program. Applicants must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Qualifications
- Matriculated/enrolled in a graduate degree or doctorate program at an accredited college or university at the time of application, or have completed a graduate/doctorate degree no earlier than April 2, 2025.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate/doctorate program (current or final cumulative). Official transcripts demonstrating eligibility must be supplied by January 31, 2027.
- If enrolled in a dual bachelor/master program, verification of bachelor’s degree completion must be provided by May 20, 2027.
- Available to work full-time for the duration of the one-year fellowship (June 2027 – June 2028).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Comfort interacting with high-level government officials.
- Open-mindedness to new experiences and willingness to learn about varied cultures and perspectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities leveraging technical knowledge in national security missions, budgetary processes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Capacity to build relationships with stakeholders at domestic and international levels.
- Familiarity with U.S. government nonproliferation programs, DOE regulations, and global nuclear safety standards.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
- Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
- Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
- Tuition assistance and relocation support.
- Backup childcare, legal benefits, and supplemental parental bonding leave.
- Surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
- Company-funded pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with company match.
- Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays per year (Research Associates excluded).
Pay
Annual salary range: $57,100 – $79,500 USD.