Pauling Fellow Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Job description

**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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational 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.
**Responsibilities**
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.

PNNL is currently accepting qualified candidate applications from 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.
Candidates will be required to submit the following items (under “Additional Documents”) as a **SINGLE PDF uploaded attachment** when applying for this position:
+ Cover letter – Please identify which of the following categories best describes your research and development program as it would sit within PNNL: Scientific Discovery, Sustainable Energy, National Security, and Data Science & Computing.
+ Current CV (please include your ORCiD link if available)
+ Research Proposal- Successful applications will describe in detail the intended research and development activities, the novelty and impact of carrying out this work, and why PNNL is an advantageous institution to carry out these studies.

As part of explaining why PNNL is an ideal place for your proposed research, please cite three (3) publications within the last 5 years from PNNL authors that most closely connect to your proposed research or represents PNNL expertise and/or facilities that would support your research.
Please note: While virtual postings are possible, we prefer Pauling Fellows to be at an appropriate PNNL site (dependent on the nature the work proposed).

Decisions on whether a staff member can be virtual or hybrid are made by PNNL management.

The Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship is expected to start in the fall of 2026.
For additional information please visit https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/linus-pauling-distinguished-postdoctoral-fellowship
**Qualifications**
Minimum Qualifications:
+ Candidates must have received a PhD in 2023 or later, or by August 31st 2026 from an accredited college or university.
+ Have submitted the PDF application packet (under “Additional Documents”) as indicated above.
**Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment**
Not applicable.
**Additional Information**
Not applicable.
**Testing Designated Position**
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
**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.

PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living.

The Lab’s campus is only 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.
**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 careers@pnnl.gov .
**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 (https://careers.pnnl.gov/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 $115,500.00/Yr.
**Maximum Salary**
USD $115,500.00/Yr.

Required Skill Profession

Other General