DOE Fusion Energy Sciences
Postdoctoral Research Program

Appointment Start and End Dates

You will be responsible for coordinating the appointment start and end dates with the hosting facility. Selected participants should be available to begin their appointment no later than 6 months after being selected. After selections are announced, exceptions to this requirement may be considered by FES and ORISE.

Full-time commitment

Participants commit to full-time, on site participation at the assigned hosting facility. The initial appointment period for is one year. Appointments maybe extended for an additional year. Extension of the appointment for a second year will be subject to satisfactory progress toward completion of the project assignments, and availability of funds.

Participants will be expected to maintain a full-time schedule during the appointment except for normal holidays recognized by the host facility and occasional absences approved by mentor.

Access to Facilities

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with FES, ORISE, or the hosting facility, the hosting facility may require a pre-employment check and/or a full background investigation.

Health insurance

Participants are required to have health insurance coverage during the appointment period and must have coverage prior to the start of the appointment. The participant may obtain insurance through ORISE or a provider of their choice.

Citizenship/Immigration Status

Proof of U.S Citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Status is required and selected participants must provide documentation to verify their status.

Verification of Degree

Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in an appropriate science or engineering discipline within four years of the anticipated/expected start date or expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.

Written Report and Feedback Form

Participants are required to write a mid-appointment report and a final report about the experience in the program including a description of the research project, accomplishments and the benefits received.

Policies/regulations of the Hosting Facility

• Appointments are subject to the arrangements between the participant and the host facility regarding the conditions under which the participant may have access to the facility during the appointment.  
• Participants must adhere to the existing policies, regulations and procedures of the hosting facility.
• Guidelines and procedures for publications, copyrights and patents related to the appointment can be found in the appointment letter. Participants must follow the policies of the hosting facility regarding intellectual property rights and dissemination of research information.