Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 at PNNL

Overview

The Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is designed for exceptional recent and upcoming PhD graduates in science and engineering. Unlike conventional postdoctoral positions, this prestigious fellowship allows successful candidates to propose, design, and execute a major independent research project of their own conception.

Fellows receive full financial support to conduct their research within a leading U.S. national laboratory environment, gaining access to advanced scientific infrastructure and mentorship from internationally recognized experts. Research efforts typically align with PNNL's primary mission areas, including:

• Scientific Discovery
• Energy Resiliency
• Data Science and Computing
• National Security

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the fellowship:

• Hold or be on track to complete a PhD in a science or engineering field related to PNNL's mission areas from an accredited college or university.
• For the 2027 intake, candidates must have completed their doctoral degree within the past three years or prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States as required for all PNNL staff.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must submit a comprehensive application, including an original research proposal detailing their project plans, objectives, and methodologies. Applications should be submitted through the official PNNL careers portal.

For further details on application guidelines and required documentation, visit the official PNNL Fellowship Page.

Deadline

Applications for the 2027 fellowship must be submitted by 15 October 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).