Experience & Degree Requirements

Only candidates with a record of superior academic performance and demonstrated research in Nonproliferation Stewardship National Science Program (NSP) Initiatives and other nuclear nonproliferation mission areas should apply. Applicants must have received a Ph.D. degree and have no more than three (3) years of postdoctoral/research experience since the degree earned at appointment start date. 

For the 2024 cohort, NextGen is seeking eligible applicants with PhDs in:

• Nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear chemical engineering

• Nuclear physics

• Nuclear engineering

• Data science, AI/ML

• Related fields

Eligible candidates must obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE Q clearance will be processed/granted.

Participant Expectations

Next-Generation Nonproliferation Fellowship participants will carry out innovative research in scientific fields related to nuclear nonproliferation. Suitable mentorship will be identified. Fellows will be required to attend workshops, webinars, events, conferences and travel to other national laboratories. Selected applicants must make a full-time commitment to the NextGen Leadership Development Program throughout the term of the fellowship.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Call for applications 

The application cycle for cohort 2025 will open October 2024.

Start date & Term

Onboarding will be possible June 1 through October 1 for this application cycle.

The postdoctoral appointment is for a two-year term. 

Following postdoctoral appointment 

In year two, postdocs will work with the NextGen team to identify employment opportunities across DOE labs, plants and sites.

Postdoc salary support - DOE funding

Funding from the DOE NNSA Nonproliferation Stewardship Program (NSP) will support 100% of the salary of the successful applicant in a Postdoctoral Scholar Employee position.

Postdoc supplemental support

NSP funding will also be used to fund a research allowance of up to $25,000 per year for professional development activities, supplies, and travel supporting participation in one or more conferences and the nonproliferation programming.

Postdoc starting salary and benefits 

$110,000 per year. A postdoc benefits package will be offered, as determined by the Human Resources Department.

The program will be available for a Postdoctoral Fellow who has received a Ph.D within the last three years.  Applicants are required to submit the following in their Application Packet:

Curriculum vitae 

Cover letter - briefly describing candidate’s background, previous research experience as it relates to NextGen research areas, their interest in the nuclear nonproliferation mission of the US government, their career to date, and their long-range career goals.

Summary of Ph.D thesis (1 page)

Two (2) letters of recommendation - Applicants should submit at least one letter of recommendation from a professional contact. Ideally, one or both of your professional recommendations will come from a current or former direct supervisor. Academic recommendations are also welcomed.

All application materials should be submitted through the posting listed on the Berkeley Lab Careers Portal (Jobs.lbl.gov)

The application cycle will begin October 2024 and will remain open until January 31, 2025.

Contact Information

Contact NextGen@lbl.gov with questions about the NextGen Nonproliferation Leadership Development Program.