Pauling Fellow - Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments called Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or function with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. Additionally, we host the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility on the PNNL campus.

About the role

PNNL’s Linus Pauling Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed for the next generation of scientists and engineers who will push the boundaries of research and development to achieve world-recognized discovery and innovation. This fellowship is open to recent and upcoming PhD graduates in Science and Engineering who wish to conduct original research and development on a project of their own design. Pauling Fellows are expected to demonstrate strong potential for becoming a leader in their chosen field.

The Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship is expected to start in the fall of 2027. For additional information, visit PNNL’s Linus Pauling Fellowship page.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct original research and development on a self-proposed project.
• Submit a single PDF application packet including:
  • A cover letter identifying the research category that best fits your proposed work: Scientific Discovery, Sustainable Energy, National Security, or Data Science & Computing.
  • A current CV (include your ORCiD link if available).
  • A detailed research proposal outlining:
    • The intended research and development activities.
    • The novelty and impact of the proposed work.
    • Why PNNL is an advantageous institution for this research, including citations of three (3) publications from PNNL authors within the last 5 years that closely connect to your proposed research or represent relevant PNNL expertise and/or facilities.

Preference is given to candidates who can work on-site at an appropriate PNNL location, depending on the nature of the proposed work. Decisions on virtual or hybrid work arrangements are made by PNNL management.

Qualifications

• PhD received in 2024 or later, or expected by August 31, 2027, from an accredited college or university.
• Submission of the required PDF application packet as described above.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. PNNL attracts dynamic, driven individuals to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations, and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors.

PNNL is located in eastern Washington State, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and affordable cost of living. The campus is a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Robust telehealth care options and several mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching and a health savings account.
• 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, and surrogacy/adoption assistance.
• Fertility support.
• Company-funded pension plan (automatic enrollment).
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Up to 120 vacation hours per year and 10 paid holidays per year.

*Research Associates are excluded from some benefits.

Pay

Annual salary: USD $118,000.00.