Applications for the Walter Massey Fellowship are now open to excellent doctoral scientists and engineers who have recently received their Ph.D. or are completing degree requirements. Furthermore, through this fellowship, fellows will conduct independent research that advances the host institution’s mission.

The Fellows will pursue independent research projects that support Argonne’s purpose: to make significant discoveries and inspire new technology to meet national needs for sustainable energy, security, and economic competitiveness.

Underrepresented applicants in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), interested in a research career in a Department of Energy national laboratory, are most welcome to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for the fellowship.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time (U.S.)
• Result Announcement Dates: January – February 2026
• Funding Type: Fellowship
• Awarding Institution: Argonne National Laboratory, US Department of Energy (DOE)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Early-career Ph.D. scientists and engineers
• Focus Area/Field: STEM disciplines aligning with Argonne or DOE missions
• Study Level: Postdoctoral
• Number of Opportunities: Multiple
• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States

Benefits of the Walter Massey Fellowship

Walter Massey Fellowship will provide the following benefits:

• Competitive salary with full employment benefits
• Stipend for research support
• The first two years are fully funded by Argonne’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program.
• Third-year funding is split between LDRD and other programs identified by the fellow and sponsor.
• Potential for renewal on an annual basis, with the possibility of long-term retention

Objective

The fellowship aims to help scholars and researchers pursue independent research that backs Argonne’s purpose: making game-changing discoveries and inspiring new technology to satisfy national needs for sustainable energy, economic competitiveness, and security.

Eligibilities and Criteria

To be eligible for this fellowship, prospective candidates must meet the following criteria:

• They have earned their PhD within the last five years as of the application deadline or are in the process of completing the degree requirements by the program’s start date.
• Exhibit proof of academic accomplishment with potential for technical and research leadership.
• Propose research in areas that align with Argonne’s mission.
• Proposals from all STEM areas that align with Argonne’s mission will be accepted.
• App proposals must comply with Argonne and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
• Applications from all qualified candidates will be considered for this fellowship, and those who can show leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Desirable Competencies

• Passion for leadership and service is demonstrated through community exposure, activities to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, professional society engagement, etc.
• Innovation and motivation
• Outstanding communication skills
• Alignment with Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Proposal Areas

Proposals in all STEM fields aligned with Argonne and DOE missions are welcome, with strong encouragement for:

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

Candidates are automatically considered for the Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship, and those with outstanding leadership, mentorship, and outreach records may also be considered for the Walter Massey Fellowship.

How to Apply for the Walter Massey Fellowship?

Qualified applicants must apply online using the following link.

Apply Now

Note: Candidates must read the application instructions for tips on how to complete research, sketch templates, and prepare CVs and recommendation letters.

Applicant instruction

Proposal template

Application documents

In brief, the complete application package will contain:

• Research proposal and project plan submitted using the research proposal sample
• Biosketch submitted using the biosketch template.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume to be uploaded through the application link
• Graduate transcripts (read applicant instructions for acceptable format)

Please refer to Argonne National Laboratory’s website to learn more about the Walter Massey Fellowship.

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