About the DOE NNSA LRGF
Launched in 2018, the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Laboratory Residency Graduate Fellowship (DOE NNSA LRGF) provides excellent financial benefits and professional development opportunities to students pursuing a Ph.D. in fields of study that address complex science and engineering problems critical to stewardship science.
The DOE NNSA LRGF connects professors and students working in fields relevant to the DOE lab system with laboratory scientists, fostering collaborative research relationships. The programs strengthen these university-laboratory links through an unusual and exciting provision: fellows work and study in residence at one or more of five approved DOE NNSA sites for a minimum of two 12-week periods. Longer stays are highly encouraged, up to or including pursuit of thesis studies at a chosen site. This laboratory residency requirement opens compelling research opportunities to students and their advisors, including access to unique DOE NNSA experimental and computing facilities.
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration funds the fellowship to train scientists vital to meeting U.S. workforce needs in advanced science and engineering.
Benefits available to DOE NNSA LRGF recipients include:
- A $45,000 yearly stipend
- Payment of full tuition and required fees during the appointment period at any accredited U.S. university
- An annual $2,000 academic allowance for research or professional development expenses
- A term of up to four years, subject to annual renewal
- Participation in an annual DOE NNSA SSGF/LRGF program review, with related travel expenses reimbursed
- Two 12-week research residencies at one or more of the following sites: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories or the Nevada National Security Site
- The opportunity for additional or extended residencies not to exceed a combined total of 24 months
- An augmented stipend during residency periods
- The opportunity to join a larger scientific community that understands and appreciates the role stewardship science plays across a variety of science and engineering disciplines
- Opportunities to attend and publish research results at conferences
Eligibility & Program Requirements
The DOE NNSA LRGF is open to U.S. citizens engaged in full-time, uninterrupted study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. Specifically, applicants should be first-, second- or third-year Ph.D. students with at least 18 months remaining in their academic program as of the start of the fellowship period (that being September 1, 2026 for 2026-27 cohort applicants). Candidates must also be pursuing research in fields of study supported by the DOE NNSA LRGF.
Fellows must complete a minimum of two 12-week laboratory research residencies at one or more of four approved NNSA sites. Extended residencies of more than six months are encouraged, with combined experiences not to exceed 24 months. During the summer, fellows should conduct full-time research related to completing their degree, enroll in classes or make progress toward fulfilling the laboratory residency requirement.
TA Policy: Freedom to Focus on Research
The DOE NNSA LRGF’s support allows students to focus on their academics and research without excessive teaching or other departmental support activities. Each fellow’s department must waive any teaching requirements beyond one term for the student to be accepted into the program.
Review the program’s TA policy.
Annual Renewal and Availability of Funds
The fellowship must be renewed for each of up to four years. Online renewal applications must demonstrate acceptable academic performance, progress toward completing the approved program of study and laboratory residency experiences, and research consistent with program goals. Renewal is contingent on the availability of funds to meet the program’s costs.
The DOE intends to provide adequate support to meet graduate school costs. Therefore, the Krell Institute must approve in advance any teaching or other academic department responsibilities. Fellows may accept scholarships, prizes and other payments (including veteran’s benefits) that do not require a service.
How to Apply
The DOE NNSA LRGF application process begins in November with the opening of the online application. It concludes the following May when those selected must formally accept fellowship offers.
The application’s 13 sections can be completed in any order and over multiple visits to the secure site. A checklist helps applicants track their progress prior to final submission. Prior to and after submission, applicants can track the receipt of transcripts and requested letters of support.
Required Supporting Materials
- Transcripts: Request an official transcript from each university or college you have attended, including your current fall transcript. Documents should be mailed directly to the Krell Institute or sent via the university’s electronic transcript delivery service. The latter option is preferred if available.
- Advisor Letter: Your graduate advisor plays a critical role in the application process. This individual will be asked to submit a letter of reference detailing your merits specific to the fellowship AND outlining his or her planned involvement during the laboratory residency period. Follow online system prompts to request this letter from your advisor. Once notified, your advisor will receive a personalized link from which to upload a file for inclusion in your application.
- University Residency Policy: Under separate cover, your advisor must speak to or reference the university’s residency policy specific to off-campus experiences of up to six months. Follow online system prompts to request this letter from your advisor. Once notified, your advisor will receive a personalized link from which to upload a file for addition to your application.
- Additional Reference Letters: Follow online system prompts to identify two additional references and to request a letter of support from each. Once notified, each reference will receive a personalized link from which to upload a file for inclusion in your application.
- Lab Mentor Letter (recommended): Your lab mentor is the NNSA facility employee who will direct your activities during the fellowship’s residency period and your application may include a letter from this individual. In part, a mentor letter will demonstrate understanding of the proposed project, address a plan for training and mentoring and describe present/past interaction with you and/or your advisor. Follow online system prompts to request this letter from your lab mentor if one is identified. Once notified, your lab mentor will receive a personalized link from which to upload a file for inclusion in your application.
After Submission
- Confirmation: You will receive an email confirming that your application was submitted. Please contact us if you do not receive an email within 24 hours. Print the completed application and keep a copy for your files.
- Application Status: You can check your application’s status via the online system at any time, even after final submission.
- Application Deadline: Online applications for the program’s 2026-2027 incoming cohort are due March 4, 2026. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that Krell has received the application and all supporting materials by the deadline.
Application information is used solely for the purpose of selecting fellows and administering the program. Please note that materials submitted in support of this application are considered confidential as described in the Krell Institute Fellowship Privacy Statement. It is the applicant’s responsibility to read and understand this policy. All applications from unsuccessful candidates are destroyed after the selection and award process.
