BECOMING AN OPPENHEIMER FELLOW

---

The Oppenheimer Science and Energy Leadership Program (OSELP) is the premier leadership development program of the National Laboratory Directors' Council (NLDC). The program exposes emerging leaders to the singular breadth, diversity and complexity of the National Labs and their partners in government, industry and academia. 

Nomination and Selection

Oppenheimer Fellows are chosen through a competitive selection process. Candidates are selected by the Lab Director and reviewed and evaluated by a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is led by the OSELP Program Director, Kevin Doran, and is charged with making a Cohort recommendation to the Chair of the National Laboratory Directors' Council (NLDC). It is the responsibility of the Chair and the NLDC Executive Committee to finalize the composition of the new Cohort. 

Potential Candidates 

OSELP is designed to bring together exceptional professionals who have the potential to contribute significantly to DOE’s work, whether at DOE or in the National Labs, academia or industry. Lab Directors and Peers are encouraged to consider candidates from diverse disciplines, professions, and backgrounds, including participants from outside the scientific and technical domains. There is no requirement that OSELP Fellows be U.S. citizens. However, in some instances non-U.S. citizens will not be able to participate in some site visit activities. 

Time Commitment and Activities

In addition to virtual interactions, Oppenheimer Fellows participate in a year-long series of site visits at National Laboratories and in Washington D.C., covering the spectrum of DOE’s missions and operations. Participation in the program requires a substantial investment of time from the Fellows. Fellows should expect to spend approximately 15 percent of their time on program activities. Candidates must commit to full participation in the program's schedule of events to be considered for admission. Physical travel is generally a core requirement of the program, with site visits to National Labs and a multi-day capstone event, often held in Washington, D.C. 

Fellows also collaborate on the development of think-pieces aimed at tackling major organizational, policy, scientific, other challenges within DOE’s mission areas. Given the investment of time required by the program, for all nominees Letters of Support from Lab Directors should affirm the Lab's commitment to support the candidate's full participation in all program activities. 

More Information

OSELP is a competitive Fellowship Program. Laboratory staff interested in becoming an OSELP Fellow should discuss their interest in the program with their management and senior leadership. Former Oppenheimer Fellows can also provide insights into the program experience, requirements, and benefits. Requests for additional information can be made through the contact form on this website.