Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

A complete application consists of:

• Required profile information on the application
• A current Resume/CV (.PDF upload)
• Statement of Research Interests
• A recommendation via Zintellect, preferably from your current supervisor. The application will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible for review and consideration until the recommendation is received.

The Visiting Scholars at ORNL (VSO) program provides opportunities for learning and professional development through structured, short-term appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The program is intended for individuals who seek to gain exposure to ORNL’s world-class research facilities, scientific expertise, and mission-driven environment, including postdoctoral fellows, secondary and postsecondary educators and academic faculty, established scientists and engineers, and other professionals. Through this experience, participants enhance their understanding of research practices, technologies, and disciplines relevant to ORNL’s priority mission areas. The VSO program aims to strengthen collaborations between ORNL staff and visiting scholars through partnerships that outlast the appointment.

Participants engage in research or technical activities under the guidance of an ORNL mentor or collaborator. Appointments may focus on research collaboration, curriculum development, technical upskilling, or other lab-identified areas of engagement.

Importantly, the VSO program offers a structured mechanism for providing short-term learning and development opportunities aligned with ORNL's mission. The VSO program is not intended to provide temporary staffing, employment, or staff augmentation. For postdoctoral researchers, it is not a substitute for a formal ORNL postdoctoral appointment. For professionals, it is not a vehicle for project-based contracting. Note: the VSO is not a mechanism for hiring or staff augmentation.

Appointments are typically held onsite at ORNL in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In limited cases, remote participation may be approved by ORNL. During the appointment, participants must comply with all applicable ORNL rules, policies, and procedures.

Participant Provisions

• Selected candidates may receive a stipend or other allowances as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Financial provisions are determined by ORNL officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background.
• Appointment duration is dependent on the availability of the participant and ORNL for a minimum initial term of one month to a maximum term of 12 months. Appointments may start at any time during the year at the discretion of ORNL. Appointments may be extended in increments of up to one year, contingent upon project needs and funding availability..

Nature of the Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, ORNL, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

The Visiting Scholars at ORNL Program may offer multiple opportunities during the year to accommodate the needs and schedule of individual sponsoring projects. Opportunities may have different eligibility requirements, financial provisions, and deadlines. To be considered, you must apply to each opportunity individually.

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Meet one of the following conditions:
  • Faculty: Candidate must be a full-time regular permanent faculty member at an accredited U.S. college, university, technical institute, or at an institution approved by ORNL and ORISE. Faculty must have a research interest in ORNL core R&D areas.
  • Pre-college educator: Be a teacher or administrator in grades K-12 on a full-time basis at a licensed and/or accredited public, private, charter school or homeschool organization and plan to continue in this employment during the academic year following the appointment.
  • Established Scientist: Candidate must have received a relevant degree more than five years from the desired start date of the appointment and possess the academic background and experience in a field related to ORNL’s mission. Candidates must be seeking to gain knowledge/experience in a new area to expand career opportunities or to advance professionally. Candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval by ORNL and ORISE.
  • Postdoctoral: Candidate must have a doctorate degree in an appropriate discipline within five years of the desired starting date.  Alternatively, the candidate will be required to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired starting date.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

I confirm that at the time of application, I meet at least one of the following academic status eligibility criteria: 

• I am either a postdoctoral candidate and have received a doctoral degree with five years of the desired start date.
• I am a full-time faculty member at an accredited U.S. college or university (including accredited community colleges, technical institutes, or at an institution approved by ORNL and ORISE).
• I am a full-time precollege educator or administrator at a licensed and/or accredited public, private, charter or homeschool organization and plan to continue this employment during the academic year following the appointment.
• I am an established scientist and have received a relevant degree more than five years from the desired start date.