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). This 12-month, salaried fellowship places top graduate talent in NNSA program offices in Washington, D.C., or at NNSA site locations nationwide to support critical national security missions.
About the role
Fellows provide multidisciplinary support across NNSA priorities, including stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, and administrative and financial functions. The program combines technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication, and resource management while offering exclusive professional development opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Support NNSA priorities such as stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, and administrative and financial functions.
- Coordinate tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement across NNSA programs.
- Participate in professional development opportunities tailored to national security missions.
Requirements
- Be matriculated/enrolled in a graduate degree/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 is required by May 20, 2027.
- Available to work full-time for the duration of the one-year fellowship (June 2027 – June 2028).
- 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. Applicants must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Current enrollment in or completion of a graduate/doctorate program at an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Ability to work full-time for the 12-month fellowship duration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Comfort interacting with high-level government officials.
- Willingness to learn about varied cultures and perspectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities leveraging technical knowledge in national security missions, budgetary processes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Capacity to build relationships with domestic and international stakeholders.
- Familiarity with U.S. government nonproliferation programs, DOE regulations, and global nuclear safety standards.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
- Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
- Free wellness coaching and health savings/flexible spending accounts.
- Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
- Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
- Tuition assistance, relocation support, and backup childcare.
- Legal benefits, 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 10 paid holidays per year (Research Associates excluded).
Pay
Annual salary range: USD $57,100 – $79,500, determined by job-related skills, qualifications, and experience.