Argonne LDRD Named Fellowships

Argonne National Laboratory has a long-standing tradition of attracting top early career talent through the Named Fellowship Program. These prestigious fellowships are awarded internationally each year to outstanding doctoral scientists and engineers who are at early points in promising careers. The Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Maria Goeppert Mayer as a pioneering Argonne Nuclear Physicist and Noble Prize Winner. The Walter Massey Fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Walter Massey, former Argonne Director and distinguished advocate of science and education.

Fellowship details

Argonne offers the opportunity for fellows to perform research in a scientifically and technologically rich, mission-driven environment; present and publish research; contribute to the overall research efforts of the Laboratory; advance knowledge in the areas of basic and applied research; and strengthen our national scientific and technical capabilities. Candidates with a strong interest in a research career in a Department of Energy national laboratory are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Central Time (U.S.).

Fellows will work closely with an Argonne sponsor to pursue their research interests and are hired as an Argonne Scholar with full benefits, a highly competitive salary and a stipend for research support. 

• Fellows may renew their appointments on an annual basis for up to 3 years, with the possibility of retention.
• The first two years of the fellowship are funded 100% by Argonne’s Laboratory Directed Research Development (LDRD) Program.
• The third year is funded 50% by LDRD and 50% by other programs identified by the fellow and sponsor. 

This model allows fellows to advance independent research as outlined in their fellowship proposal, while making significant contributions to Laboratory initiatives.

Proposal areas

Proposals in all areas of STEM that align with Argonne and DOE missions are welcome. Candidates are encouraged to review Argonne’s scientific and engineering research areas and the following resources to identify Argonne divisions aligning with your research proposal. Refer to the following resources to learn more about the laboratory:

• Overview of Argonne’s science and technology research areas and related divisions
• Research Index:  A listing of all research areas and disciplines
• About Argonne:  Overview of laboratory organizations, community, missions and user facilities fact sheet

Proposals in the following areas are strongly encouraged:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• AI-enabled discovery
• Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST)
• Microelectronics
• Biotechnology
• Critical minerals
• Nuclear
• Advanced manufacturing
• Grid-edge technologies

Additional priority areas for proposals and resources describing research initiatives and missions are included in the application materials. 

All candidates will be considered for the Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship. Additionally, candidates with an exceptional record of leadership, mentorship and outreach will be considered for the Walter Massey Fellowship.

Position requirements

Qualifications we require:

•    Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment
•    Evidence of academic achievement with potential for technical and research leadership
•    Research in areas that align with Argonne’s mission

Qualifications We Desire:
•    Demonstrated leadership through collaborations, service on committees, mentorship, outreach, professional society engagement, etc.
•    Creativity and motivation
•    Excellent communication skills
•    Alignment with Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Application materials:

Applicants must read the Applicant Instructions before submitting required documents.
•    Research proposal, project plan, and investigator background submitted using the proposal template 
•    Three letters of recommendation—refer to applicant instructions for guidance
•    CV—uploaded through the application link
•    Graduate transcripts—refer to applicant instructions for acceptable format

Letters of recommendation must be sent directly via e-mail to fellowships@​anl.​gov. In the subject line please include the name of the candidate. Advice for letter writers is included in the applicant instructions.

Questions about eligibility, qualifications, application materials and proposals may be directed to fellowships@​anl.​gov.

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.