Are you ready to make the world a safer place? 

The application for the Class of 2023-2024 is now open. Click here to begin your application! If you have questions about the application process, our team is standing by assist at ngfp@pnnl.gov.

For your application to be considered complete, you must submit the following with your application by the deadline (October 7, 2022):

• Letter of Interest
• Resumé (including two references)
• Education and work history

Eligibility

Minimum Qualifications

• Be a U.S. citizen eligible for a security clearance
• Be matriculated/enrolled in a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university at the time of application OR
• Have completed a graduate degree program within 18 months (i.e., after April 7, 2021) prior to the application deadline AND
• Have a final and current cumulative GPA of at least 3.00/4.00 in the graduate degree program
• Available to work full time for the duration of the one-year fellowship (June 2023 to June 2024).

Selected applicants enrolled in Fall semester/quarter with no previous graduate-level grades must provide official transcripts demonstrating eligibility (minimum 3.0 GPA) no later than January 14, 2023.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pursuing or having completed a master’s degree or PhD in a STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, or Mathematics) or policy field.
• Selected fellows will be placed in a salary level correlative with their education: 
  • Level I - Master's in Progress
  • Level II - Completed Master's or Pursuing a PhD or JD
  • Level III - Completed PhD or JD

Security Clearance

To obtain a security clearance, enabling access to sensitive information, individuals will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including demonstration of non-use of federally illegal drugs (including CBD and substances legal in the applicant's state) for twelve consecutive months prior to submission of the clearance request. Non-use of federally classified illegal drugs is initially determined through an initial drug screen and review of the individual's Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Once the security clearance is granted, individuals will then be subject to random and for-cause drug testing. During the course of the federal background investigation, the other following areas will also be examined:

• employment and school records;
• criminal history;
• financial and credit history;
• academic performance and attendance;
• and residence history.

If performance in any of these or other areas would preclude eligibility for a security clearance, graduate students interested in the program should not apply.

The SF-86 Form is required for processing requests for DOE security clearances. This process will begin immediately upon offer acceptance. The form is extensively detailed and will require some time to complete. It is recommended that applicants who receive an interview review this form and begin collecting the relevant information.

Class of 2023-2024 Schedule

• March 1, 2022 – Application opens
• October 7, 2022 – Application closes
• June 2023 – Fellowships begins
• June 2024 – Fellowships complete

Applications are open spring through early fall. If you are not currently eligible to apply, check back in the spring for an updated schedule for the next class year. Applicants must be within eighteen months of receiving their degree to be eligible to apply for the upcoming class.