Job Description

Army Research Laboratory Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships

Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships provide early career researchers the opportunity to pursue independent research of their own choosing that supports the mission of ARL. Candidates must display extraordinary ability in scientific research, show clear promise of becoming outstanding leaders, and are expected to have already successfully tackled a major scientific or engineering problem during their thesis work or to have provided a new approach or insight, evidenced by a recognized impact in their field.

In recognition of outstanding achievements in research, ARL has established six named fellowships:
• Harry Diamond Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• George F. Adams Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Robert J. Eichelberger Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• ENIAC Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Brad E. Forch Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Frances Elizabeth (Betty) Snyder (Holberton) Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (aka the Betty Snyder Holberton Fellowship)

Benefits of an ARL Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
• One-year appointment, renewable for up to 3 years based on performance
• Annual stipend of $115,000
• Health insurance (including dental and vision)
• Paid relocation and professional travel allowance

Eligibility and Selection Criteria
• Must have completed all the requirements for a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in the physical sciences, life sciences, computational sciences, behavioral sciences, or engineering by October 1, 2025. Applicants who intend to defend their dissertation after October 1, 2025, are not eligible.
• May not be more than five years beyond the award date of their Ph.D. or Sc.D. by the fellowship application deadline (July 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time).
• Must demonstrate exceptional qualifications with respect to academic and scholarly achievement, as evidenced by research and publication.
• Are expected to have conducted research on a major scientific or engineering problem during their thesis work or have provided a new approach or insight, evidenced by a recognized impact in their field.

There are no citizenship requirements; however, selected fellows must pass a Department of Defense (DoD) clearance process, requiring a background security investigation. Foreign nationals must get further DoD approval, requiring a background investigation.

Interested candidates should visit https://arldpf.nationalacademies.org for more information and to apply online.



The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world. To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.