Visiting Scholars at ORNL (VSO) Program

The Visiting Scholars at ORNL (VSO) program provides structured, short-term appointments that bring academics and professionals to Oak Ridge National Laboratory for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

Rohit Kousika, a University of Tennessee Ph.D. student, works in Lab 110, Building 1520, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

VSO welcomes postdoctoral fellows, K-12 and postsecondary educators, faculty, established scientists, and other professionals seeking exposure to ORNL’s facilities, expertise, and mission. Participants work under an ORNL mentor on research collaboration, curriculum development, technical upskilling, or other lab-identified areas.

Appointments run from one to 12 months, may start any time of year, and are typically held onsite in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The program is built to spark lasting collaborations between visiting scholars and ORNL staff — not to provide temporary staffing, employment, or contracting.

To initiate an application you must first identify a hosting ORNL staff member.

Application Resources

Find an ORNL collaborator

Eligibility

Postdoctoral fellow — doctorate within five years of the start date

Established scientist — relevant degree earned 5+ years ago (case-by-case)

Faculty — full-time faculty at an accredited U.S. institution

Pre-college educator — full-time K-12 teacher or administrator

18+ years old

Contacts:

For ORNL Educational Programs General Questions email:
[email protected]

Questions about applications and eligibility: [email protected].

Students participating in an ORISE program complete orientation and check-in activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals Appointments are administered by ORISE; participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, or ORNL. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

1 Bethel Valley Road

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

(+1) 865.576.7658