Job Details

Named Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking candidates for Named Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate Appointments. These appointments are awarded to early career scientists and engineers who will help INL to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure. Candidates must have exceptional scientific records and potential for significant future achievements. Candidates come from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: nuclear engineering; other engineering disciplines; chemistry; physics; material science; computer science; mathematics; and political science.

Named Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associates receive up to two years of support for an independent research project with a possible one-year extension.

Opportunity to develop and build independent research while helping advance INL, Department of Energy and national agendas for energy and security. Access to lab leadership and career-enhancing opportunities. Mentors include top INL researchers and leaders. A prestigious and competitively compensated position.

Application Deadline: The application is open August 4, 2025 through November 12, 2025, with reviews and selections performed on an as-received basis.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in a discipline that clearly supports the INL mission, awarded prior to distinguished postdoctoral appointment and within the previous five years.
• Demonstrated record of scientific excellence.
• An independent research proposal.
• Sponsorship by an INL department.

INL Sponsorship and Research Proposal: Applicants must identify an INL department to sponsor their application and obtain a letter of recommendation from this department. Here are some helpful tips to fulfill this requirement:

• Learn about our research programs and capabilities here
• Identify relevant recent publications and the associated INL research authors
• Network with researchers at professional conferences
• Leverage the professional networks of advisors, colleagues, and others
• If you need assistance identifying an INL sponsor or department, please contact our Recruiters: ...@inl.gov OR ...@inl.gov
• Contact the INL Postdoc Office: ...@inl.gov

Prior to contacting an INL sponsor, you must have a research summary prepared and ready to discuss. Work with your INL sponsor to develop your research idea into a full proposal (two pages, 8.5-by-11-inch paper, single-sided) that clearly describes:

• Research to be addressed
• Conjectures or hypotheses to be tested
• Proposed methods of investigation
• Guiding relevant theoretical frameworks
• Research schedule
• Major equipment needs and other necessary resources
• Proposed conferences and journal publications

Application Process: Please submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest that details: long-term professional goals, dates of availability, development goals that include descriptions of strengths and disciplinary areas for research, two pages maximum, 8.5-by-11-inch paper, single-sided
• Current curriculum vitae
• Unofficial transcripts
• Abstract of doctoral dissertation
• Letter of recommendation from INL sponsor
• Two additional letters of recommendation (one preferred to be from Ph.D. advisor)
• Research proposal (see above)

Applicants must submit all required materials through www.inl.gov/careers. Applications that do not follow all submission instructions may be deemed ineligible. Finalists may be asked to provide additional information.

Job Information:

• The target salary for this position is $114,600 annually. At Idaho National Laboratory, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying for positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration. INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.