Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 107,179 - 130,996; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is looking for candidates for the Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. and demonstrate excellence in research, impacting the future of energy and national security.

This role allows for both mission-critical work and independent research that contributes to INL’s objectives. Salary is set at $119,088 annually, and the position will require a pre-employment drug screen.

Qualifications

• Completed Ph.D. before beginning appointment and within the last 5 years.
• Record of impactful research demonstrated through publications and conferences.
• Ability to develop an independent research proposal.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research supporting INL mission.
• Collaborate with INL researchers and develop research proposals.

Skills

Research excellence

Scientific writing

Project development

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Job description

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.

Application Deadline

The application period closes November 1, 2026.

Requirements

• 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).

Application Process

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 www.inl.gov/careers. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to [e-mail]. Applications that do not follow all submission instructions may be deemed ineligible. Finalists may be asked to provide additional information.

Research Proposal

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

INL Sponsorship

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: https://inl.gov/research-programs/
• 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: [e-mail]

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job‑related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information

Our team works a 9x80 or 4x10 schedule (organization dependent) located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every (4x10) or every other (9x80) Friday off.

• The pay for this position is $119,088.00 Annually.
• TDP: This may be a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre‑employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.