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As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for national laboratory in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Laboratory?

A National Laboratory is a government-funded research facility dedicated to scientific and technological research in areas crucial to national interests, such as energy, security, and the environment. In the United States, National Laboratories are primarily managed by the Department of Energy and are staffed by scientists, engineers, and other professionals. These labs conduct advanced research, develop new technologies, and support public and private sector innovation. They often collaborate with universities, industry, and other government agencies to address complex scientific challenges.

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To thrive at a National Laboratory, you generally need advanced education in a STEM field, strong research skills, and relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications depending on the research area. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in multidisciplinary teams and sharing complex findings. These skills ensure high-quality research, innovation, and compliance with rigorous scientific and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced when working at a national laboratory, and how can new employees overcome them?

Working at a national laboratory often involves navigating complex, multidisciplinary projects and collaborating with experts from various scientific and technical backgrounds. New employees may initially find the scale and pace of research, as well as the regulatory and safety requirements, to be challenging. To overcome these hurdles, it’s helpful to proactively seek mentorship, participate in team meetings, and take advantage of training resources provided by the lab. Building strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from colleagues can also greatly ease the transition and contribute to success in this environment.
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Infographic showing various National Laboratory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Argonne National Laboratory - Named Fellowships

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory has a long-standing tradition of attracting top early career talent through the Named Fellowship Program. These prestigious fellowships are awarded internationally each year to outstanding doctoral scientists and engineers who are at early points in promising careers. The Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship honors the legacy of Maria Goeppert Mayer as a pioneering Argonne Nuclear Physicist and Noble Prize Winner. The Walter Massey Fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Walter Massey, former Argonne Director and distinguished advocate of science and education.

Argonne offers the opportunity for fellows to perform research in a scientifically and technologically rich, mission-driven environment; present and publish research; contribute to the overall research efforts of the Laboratory; advance knowledge in the areas of basic and applied research; and strengthen our national scientific and technical capabilities. Candidates with a strong interest in a research career in a Department of Energy national laboratory are encouraged to apply.

Fellows will work closely with an Argonne sponsor to pursue your research interests and are hired as an Argonne Scholar with full benefits, a highly competitive salary and a stipend for research support. Fellows may renew their appointments on an annual basis for up to 3 years, with the possibility of retention. The first two years of the fellowship are funded 100% by Argonne's Laboratory Directed Research Development (LDRD) Program. The third year is funded 50% by LDRD and 50% by other programs identified by the fellow and sponsor. This model allows fellows to advance independent research as outlined in their fellowship proposal, while making significant contributions to Laboratory initiatives.

Argonne seeks applications addressing the following topics:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST)

  • Microelectronics

  • Biotechnology

  • Critical minerals

  • Nuclear fuel recycling

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • Grid-edge technologies

While not required, applications that will utilize AI LLMs, agentic workflows, and/or AI-driven laboratories to advance these domain science areas are highly encouraged.

Additional priority areas for proposals and resources describing research initiatives and missions are available on the Named Fellowship website. (https://www.anl.gov/hr/ldrd-named-fellowships)

All candidates will be considered for the Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship. Additionally, candidates with an exceptional record of leadership, mentorship and outreach will be considered for the Walter Massey Fellowship.

The Deadline for applications for the Argonne Named Fellowships is October 1, 2026.

Position Requirements

Qualifications We Require:

  • Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment

  • Evidence of academic achievement with potential for technical and research leadership

  • Research in areas that align with Argonne's mission

Qualifications We Desire:

  • Demonstrated leadership through collaborations, service on committees, mentorship, outreach, professional society engagement, etc.

  • Creativity and motivation

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Alignment with Argonne's Core Values (https://www.anl.gov/our-core-values) : Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Application Materials:

Applicants must read the Applicant Instructions before submitting required documents.

  • Research proposal, project plan, and investigator background must be submitted using the proposal template

  • Three letters of recommendation-refer to applicant instructions for guidance

  • CV-uploaded through the application link

  • Graduate transcripts-refer to applicant instructions for acceptable format

Letters of recommendation must be sent directly via e-mail to fellowships@anl.gov. In the subject line please include the name of the candidate. Advice for letter writers is included in the applicant instructions.

Questions about eligibility, qualifications, application materials and proposals may be directed to fellowships@anl.gov .

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here (https://www.anl.gov/hr/healthcare-insurance) to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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