Graduate Research Program

Program Overview

This program provides Master’s and Ph.D. level candidates an opportunity to conduct work within an Argonne research group or on a specific project for the purpose of supporting the student’s thesis work. The university sets the academic standards and awards the degree. In practice, the faculty member’s participation ranges from full partnership in the research to general supervision of the student’s thesis work. The Argonne staff member keeps the university faculty member informed about the student’s progress.

How to Participate

1. Explore Research Projects: Visit our Research Index to browse ongoing projects and identify potential research areas that align with your interests.
2. Connect with Researchers: Use the contact information provided in the Research Index to reach out to Argonne researchers whose work interests you. Discuss potential collaboration opportunities and how your research goals align with their projects.
3. Initiate the Process: Once you’ve connected with an Argonne researcher and they are willing to host you, contact students@​anl.​gov to initiate the hiring process.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must be:
  • Currently enrolled in graduate studies at an accredited institution; or
  • Graduated from an accredited institution within the past 3 months; or
  • Actively enrolled in a future graduate program at an accredited institution.
• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.
• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• If you accept an offer, you must pass a screening drug test and background check.
• The entire appointment must be conducted within the United States.
• Provide (2) professional references and academic advisor contact information (if/when selected).
• Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne’s Legal Department.

Duration

Graduate Research appointments are three months to one year in length with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance by the appointee. Appointments usually start when the student begins full-time thesis research at Argonne after having completed all other academic requirements.

Benefits

Appointees receive an hourly wage, which is determined by the hiring division and the Educational Programs Office. Travel reimbursement is determined by the hiring division in accordance with laboratory policy. All travel arrangements must be made by the hiring division in order to receive any reimbursement.

Housing

Students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing.