Experience and Degree Requirements

Candidates with a record of superior academic performance and strong interest in nuclear nonproliferation mission areas are encouraged to 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.

NextGen is seeking eligible applicants with Ph.D.s in:

• Nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear chemical engineering
• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear engineering
• Data science, AI/ML
• Related fields

Eligible candidates must be able to 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.

Participant Expectations

Hoffman Fellows 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.

Call for applications 

The application cycle for cohorts open every year October 1.

Start date & Term

Official Cohorts start October 1, earlier start dates can be considered in some cases.

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 have at least one letter of recommendation submitted 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. Letters of recommendation can be sent to nextgen@lbl.gov and should reference the candidate’s name in the subject line.

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