August 29, 2025

NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (2026 – 2027) 
Application due Oct. 3, 2025, at 4 pm (PST)
Questions? ngfp@pnnl.gov

General information: https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/ngfp 
Benefits: https://www.pnnl.gov/ngfp-benefits
Application: https://careers.pnnl.gov/jobs/10789?lang=en-us

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) identifies and develops the next generation of exceptional national security leaders to achieve the NNSA mission: Strengthening our nation through nuclear security. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a Department of Energy national laboratory, administers NGFP for NNSA.

NGFP has become a recognized resource for bringing top talent to our nation’s critical national security missions and providing unique opportunities for fellows to (1) work alongside leading experts at NNSA program and site offices; (2) participate in exclusive professional development, networking, and training opportunities; and (3) engage with national security stake­holders and support leading events and activities around the world.

We are intentionally building a future workforce with diverse expertise to support national security efforts. The candidates come from a variety of academic backgrounds including those with degrees in: political science, public policy, biomolecular engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, criminology, economics, engineering management, epidemiology, foreign affairs, global security, international relations, manufacturing, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, national and international security, nonproliferation and terrorism studies, nuclear engineering, physics, and security policy/studies.

Eligibility

  • Ability to obtain a future security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. 
  • Be currently enrolled in a graduate degree or doctorate program at the time of application or have within 18 months prior to the application deadline. 
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. 
  • Available to work full-time for the duration of the one-year fellowship. 

Our fellows receive competitive salaries, benefits, and incentives, including: 

 

  • Annual salary
    • $57,100 Post Bachelor’s
    • $67,600 Master’s or Post Master’s 
    • $79,500 doctorate in progress or Post Doc
  • Hiring incentive
  • 3 weeks of vacation annually, accrued weekly
  • Training, professional development, and networking opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement (criteria apply)
  • Travel/training allotment
  • Comprehensive benefits package