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.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria 

Applicants:

• Must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in the physical sciences, life sciences, computational sciences, behavioral sciences, or engineering by October 1, 2026 
• May not be more than five years beyond the award date of their Ph.D. or Sc.D. by the fellowship application deadline
• 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 to apply; however, selected fellows must pass a Department of Defense (DoD) clearance process, requiring a background security investigation. Foreign nationals must hold or anticipate holding a visa accepted by the program and must get further DoD approval, requiring a background investigation. 

Fellowship Benefits 

• Full-time, one-year in-residence appointment at ARL, renewable for up to three years based on performance
• Annual stipend of $115,000 
• Health insurance (including dental and vision)
• Relocation assistance
• Professional travel allowance

Qualified candidates can find additional information and apply at .

Application deadline: July 9, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Fellowship recipients are considered guest investigators and are not employees of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine or of the sponsoring laboratory.