NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program – Class of 2027

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is the premier channel for bringing top talent to tackle our nation’s critical security missions. NGFP fellows provide support to national and international programs across the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and support the successful coordination of tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement while participating in exclusive professional development opportunities. This multi-disciplinary program combines technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication and resource management to protect U.S. national security priorities. The program is sponsored by NNSA and administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The fellowship is a 12-month, salaried position working with NNSA program offices in Washington, D.C., or at one of the NNSA site locations nationwide. To learn more about the site locations, visit https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/locations.

Responsibilities

Fellows support a broad range of NNSA priorities, including stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, administrative and financial support, and more. For a full range of NNSA offices and missions, visit https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/national-nuclear-security-administration.

Application Instructions:

1. Complete the PNNL job application by clicking on “Apply for the job” at the bottom of the page.

*To be considered for the fellowship, your application must be completed before 3:59 p.m. Pacific Time on October 2, 2026. *

Additional documents may be requested that may include a statement of interest.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 program at an accredited college or university no earlier than April 2, 2025
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate/doctorate program (current or final cumulative)
• Selected applicants must supply official transcripts demonstrating eligibility (minimum 3.0 GPA) no later than January 31, 2027
• If enrolled in a dual bachelor/master program, you must provide verification of bachelor’s degree completion 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 mind to new experiences and the willingness to learn about varied cultures and perspectives.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities leveraging technical knowledge in national security missions, budgetary processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Capacity to build relationships with various stakeholders at domestic and international levels.
• Familiarity with U.S. government nonproliferation programs, DOE regulations, and global nuclear safety standards is preferred.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States.  The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. 

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). 

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. 

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. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. 

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*,employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $68,200.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $80,200.00/Yr.