You can help advance the understanding of plasma science and explore new regimes within plasma science

Fusion Energy Science and Technology | Plasma Science and Technology

The Fusion Energy Sciences Postdoctoral Research Program offers recent doctoral degree recipients the opportunity to conduct research in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) fusion energy sciences research programs. Participants acquire experience and training in areas of fusion and plasma science and technology, interact with outstanding scientists and engineers, and have access to advanced equipment and facilities.

Are you ready to jump-start your career with a Fusion Energy Sciences fellowship? Get started below!

Additional Information

Why apply?

You will:

  • Learn from and collaborate with researchers at international research facilities working on research/technology related to the DOE FES mission to accelerate progress toward improved technologies
  • Develop critical skills and contribute to mission-related research activities under the guidance of your mentor
  • Receive financial support including a stipend and travel allowances for fellowships
  • Gain a competitive advantage for your future as you apply your education and talent in a variety of settings

Am I eligible?

Because of the educational nature of these programs, participants must:

  • have received a doctoral degree in an appropriate science or engineering discipline within four years of the application due date or expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.
  • have U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status at the time of application.

Selections are made by the DOE FES panel after completion of an eligible application in Zintellect. More information is available on the Information for Applicants page.

Applications will be considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

What will I receive?

  • Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by DOE FES.
  • Travel: A travel allowance is included in the base DOE FES postdoctoral research award. These funds can be used to cover expenses related to domestic or foreign professional development experiences, scientific/technical research conferences, professional meetings, etc.
  • Relocation Allowance: A relocation reimbursement may be provided for expenses for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way, to the assigned hosting site. You will be responsible for securing your own living space and determining your means of local transportation prior to arriving at the designated host site. Hosting facilities may provide assistance locating appropriate housing in the local area.
  • Health Insurance: A health insurance stipend is typically provided to cover medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Learn more about the major topics our research covers and the programs focused on those topics.


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With the support of an assigned mentor, participants have authentic research experiences using equipment not found on most college campuses.

Header image (top image): Illustration by Ana Kova for U.S. Fusion Outreach

About DOE Fusion Science photo: The Plasma Interaction device in the Plasma, Energy, and Space Propulsion Laboratory at UCLA. 

Apply Now photo: The Large Plasma Device at UCLA’s Basic Plasma Science Facility.

Why ORISE photo: Credit: Assistant Professor Stephanie Diem (left) discusses Pegasus-III fusion research with graduate students Louise Ferris, Carolyn Schaefer and Tim Tierney. Credit: Joel Hallberg.

Feature photo above: Credit: ORNL