Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate

Overview

For more than 75 years, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) scientists and engineers have helped solve some of the nation’s most pressing energy, environment and national security challenges. INL is seeking candidates for Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associates. These appointments are awarded to early career engineers and scientists who will help INL to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s 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: engineering; chemistry; physics; materials science; computer science; mathematics; cybersecurity; statistics; economics; data science and political science.

Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associates split their time between INL mission‑critical work and an independent research project they develop together with their INL sponsor.

The application period closes November 1, 2026.

• Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. before their postdoctoral appointment begins and no more than 5 years prior to starting the position.
• Applicants must have a record of impact and research excellence, demonstrated through concrete metrics such as journal publications and/or peer‑reviewed conferences.
• Applicants must develop an independent research proposal that supports the INL mission and takes advantage of the institution’s unique capabilities.
• Applicants must be sponsored by an INL researcher who must provide a letter of recommendation (see below).

Please submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest (1,000 words or less) that details:
  • Why you want to work at INL
  • Long‑term professional goals
  • Dates of availability
  • Development goals that include descriptions of strengths and disciplinary areas for research
• Research proposal (see below)
• Letter of recommendation from INL sponsor (see below)
• Two additional letters of recommendation (one preferred to be from Ph.D. advisor).
• Curriculum vitae
• Dissertation abstract
• Unofficial transcripts

Applicants must submit all required materials through (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to postdoc recruiting. Applications that do not follow all submission instructions may be deemed ineligible. Finalists may be asked to provide additional information.

Applicants must prepare a proposal for an independent research project that they will complete as part of their postdoc appointment. The proposal should be limited to approximately 50% of full time for up to two years. The project must be in the forefront areas of science, engineering, and technology relevant to INL’s vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

The project can be basic research, applied research, or experimental development.

Applicants are encouraged to work with INL researchers in the development and refinement of this proposal. There is no required template or format. It should be no longer than 1,000 words, and it should clearly describe:

• The research to be addressed
• Why this research should be conducted at INL
• Proposed methods of investigation or development
• Guiding relevant theoretical frameworks
• Proposed conference presentations and journal publications
• Proposed research schedule including significant milestones and deliverables
• Major equipment needs and other necessary resources

Applicants must identify an INL researcher to sponsor their application and provide a letter of recommendation. This letter is not a commitment to hire nor to mentor the applicant, but it is an endorsement that the applicant would be a valuable addition to INL. Here are some resources that may help you to identify potential sponsors:

• Learn about our research programs and capabilities: /
• Identify relevant recent INL publications and the associated authors: INL Experts
• Network with researchers at professional conferences
• Leverage the professional networks of advisors, colleagues, and others
• Contact our recruiters: postdoc recruiting