Supporting postdoctoral researchers on their journey to success
About the program
Sandia National Laboratories is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of researchers in science and engineering, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, and preparing our postdocs for successful career transitions.
The Sandia Postdoc Program Office, established in 2020, was created to support and enhance the research experience of postdoctoral researchers at Sandia National Laboratories. Following a proposal from the Sandia postdoc development association, the office aims to provide a structured environment characterized by mentored research, professional development, and career transition support. Over its first five years, the program has achieved significant milestones, including the implementation of a professional development program with monthly seminars, several mentoring workshops for Principal Investigators and postdocs, and participating in various postdoc speech competitions, fostering collaboration among national labs.
Program structure
Postdoctoral researchers at Sandia explore work at the science and engineering national laboratory with the widest range of research fields. Postdocs selected by Sandia partner with some preeminent experts in their fields while working in exceptional scientific facilities across two locations (Albuquerque, NM and Livermore, CA). The experience propels them toward their desired careers.
Types of postdoctoral positions
Sandia’s Distinguished Level Fellowships, including the Jill Hruby and President Harry S. Truman Fellowships, are three-year self-directed appointments offering state-of-the-art instruments, research mentoring, and generous salaries across various mission areas.
Sandia’s Foundation Level Fellowships are generally two-year appointments which include up to half of the fellow’s time on self-directed research and are discipline specific.
Sandia, postdocs build experience in basic and applied science and technology by working with leading researchers on cutting-edge projects, publishing and presenting results and growing their skills through a supportive postdoc community and professional development opportunities.
Sandia Postdoc Development Association
The mission of the Sandia postdoctoral development (SPD) association is to facilitate a rewarding experience for postdoctoral researchers by equipping them with essential skills for their current and future roles, fostering an inclusive community that empowers postdocs, and formalizing a visible program that organizes and networks postdocs while highlighting their contributions and work.
Founded in 2007 as the Postdoctoral Professional Development Program, the Sandia Postdoctoral Development (SPD) Association has been dedicated to cultivating a vibrant postdoctoral community at Sandia National Laboratories. Since its inception, SPD has been supported by high-level Sandia leadership and has worked to connect early-career researchers, enhance their professional skills, and improve the overall postdoctoral experience at the lab.
Events
The Postdoctoral Program Office organizes a variety of events to support the postdoctoral community. These include:
- Fellows Day: An annual event showcasing our named postdoctoral fellows, featuring a research symposium and specialized facility tours.
- Professional Development: Each month, we host a workshop tailored to enhance the postdoc’s professional growth and development.
- SLAMs: Throughout the year, we participate in three SLAM events – the Bay Area Research SLAM, Rio Grande Research SLAM, and National Postdoc Research SLAM. In these competitions, outstanding postdoctoral researchers from various institutions present their groundbreaking research in engaging three-minute presentations to a non-specialist audience.
- Technical Showcase: This annual event highlights postdoctoral research across Sandia, providing an opportunity for researchers to present their work to management, staff, hiring teams, and fellow postdocs.
These events are designed to foster collaboration, professional growth, and recognition within the postdoctoral community.
Contacts
Email: PostdocOffice@sandia.gov