About the Programs
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) multiprogram, nonweapons national laboratories with a staff of 4,000 scientists, engineers, and other professional, technical, and support personnel.
In support of its primary missions in energy and the environment, ORNL maintains a strong commitment to both basic and applied science and their engineering applications. This research advances fundamental knowledge while providing a foundation for the major scientific and technological development efforts that are carried out for DOE and other federal and nonfederal sponsors.
To extend the nation’s capabilities in key areas of science and technology, ORNL concentrates on the following research areas:
- Neutron Science
- Biological Systems
- High Performance Computing
- Energy
- Advanced Materials
- National Security
Program History
Early in 1992, ORNL announced new and expanded Postdoctoral Research Associates and Post-Master’s Programs. This action further strengthened the laboratory’s long-standing commitment to excellence in research while contributing to the development of the new M.S. and Ph.D. scientists and engineers on whom the future of the nation’s research and development enterprise depends.
Program Description and Goals
The ORNL Postdoctoral Research Associates and Post-Master’s Research Participation Program are highly selective programs and offer challenging opportunities to recent recipients of doctoral and master’s degrees to conduct research in areas that support ORNL missions in the basic and applied sciences, energy, and environment. Appointments are available in all current research and development programs at the laboratory. For more information, please see ORNL’s Science and Technology page.
The program’s goals are to:
- Advance scientific and technical training in areas of critical national need
- Provide research opportunities for outstanding scientists
- Promote the influx of new ideas and skills into the laboratory
- Enhance interactions with the wider academic and research communities
The emphasis on a research mentoring approach allows postdoctoral and post-master’s appointees to become integral members of ORNL research and development teams. They gain exposure to current national issues in science and technology, have an opportunity to share and exchange innovative ideas and techniques, and make significant contributions to ORNL programs. Depending on the nature of research and availability of funding, postdoctoral and post-master’s researchers are encouraged to publish and present research findings and write funding proposals as part of a research team to enhance their own professional development. The interaction of ideas, skills, approaches, and technologies will be of mutual benefit to the fellow and ORNL.
Since the program’s inception in 1992, hundreds of postdoctoral and post-master’s researchers have launched successful careers from their appointments, many of whom have achieved national and/or international recognition. A significant percentage of participants gain permanent employment as a result of their experience in the ORNL Programs.
These programs are administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) for ORNL. ORAU is part of the UT-Battelle partnership that operates ORNL. Appointees become full-time temporary employees of ORAU and are eligible for a variety of benefits.
ORAU is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.