Demo

Graduate Fellow - Research Associate

Savannah River National Laboratory
Aiken, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 7/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/19/2026
Job Description

Savannah River National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated research associate graduate fellow. The graduate fellow will assist with research that focuses on soil and groundwater remediation at the Savannah River Site and across the DOE Complex.

The Graduate Fellowship Program provides science and engineering students an opportunity to train in targeted technical areas of interest/need of the Office of Environmental Management (EM) (soil and ground water, deactivation and decommissioning, tank waste processing, artificial intelligence to include machine learning, and climate change).

The year-long, salaried fellowship will offer specialized training, leadership development, and professional networking. The fellowship stimulates the potential increase of minority students entering STEM careers at the graduate level. Additionally, a graduate fellowship opportunity provides hands-on EM field experience that could lead to a potential career opportunity within the DOE Complex.

Recent undergraduates possessing a 4-year degree while applying to graduate school are encouraged to apply. For additional Graduate Fellowship Program information please contact Theodis Chunn @ Theodis.Chunn@srnl.gov

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will have the ability to apply their understanding of geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or related principles to design and deploy technologies that will support the missions of Environmental Management.

  • Apply advanced knowledge of geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or related disciplines to address complex environmental challenges.
  • Design, develop, and implement innovative technologies and methodologies for soil and groundwater remediation at the Savannah River Site and across the Department of Energy (DOE) Complex.
  • Conduct field and laboratory investigations to characterize environmental conditions, assess contaminant distribution, and evaluate remediation effectiveness.
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data to inform the selection and optimization of remediation strategies.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate scientific findings into practical solutions that support the missions of Environmental Management.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research outcomes to stakeholders, sponsors, and the wider scientific community.
  • Participate in project planning, progress reviews, and technical meetings to ensure research aligns with program goals and regulatory requirements.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies, best practices, and regulatory changes relevant to environmental management and remediation.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, and ethical research practices in all aspects of work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate program (Masters in a STEM related field) hydrogeology, geochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, or environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated understanding of principles in at least one of the following: geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, or environmental engineering.
  • Experience conducting research or laboratory work related to soil and groundwater remediation, or a related environmental management topic (can be through coursework, internships or prior research assistantships).
  • Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, both verbally and in writing.

About Us

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

  • Benefits vary based upon employment status
  • Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
  • AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
  • Savings & Investment plan:
    • Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
    • Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
  • Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
  • Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at www.srnl.doe.gov .

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

About The Team

SRNL’s Environmental & Legacy Management (ELM) Directorate closely collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and site contractors to develop, mature, and apply science and technology needed to resolve environmental challenges and advance legacy management missions. As the lead laboratory for Environmental Management (DOE-EM) and Legacy Management (DOE-LM), SRNL applies our talent and expertise to develop and deploy innovative approaches and technologies to reduce risk, cost, and schedule of environmental cleanup and nuclear material processing. Additionally, ELM is using our competencies to develop new materials and processes for a range of clean energy applications.

Salary.com Estimation for Graduate Fellow - Research Associate in Aiken, SC
$65,152 to $86,299
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Graduate Fellow - Research Associate?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Graduate Fellow - Research Associate career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$70,164 - $92,397
Income Estimation: 
$86,269 - $122,182
Income Estimation: 
$60,566 - $93,752
Income Estimation: 
$161,705 - $213,636
Income Estimation: 
$80,432 - $104,273
Income Estimation: 
$129,627 - $187,657
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Savannah River National Laboratory

  • Savannah River National Laboratory Aiken, SC
  • Job Description Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking an experienced Roboticist to lead and grow a fundamental science research team in the ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Savannah River National Laboratory Aiken, SC
  • Job Description The Directorate Chief Operations Officer (DCOO) serves as the senior operational executive for the Environmental & Legacy Management (ELM) ... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Savannah River National Laboratory Aiken, SC
  • Job Description Who are we The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is one of 17 United States Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories. Locat... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Savannah River National Laboratory Aiken, SC
  • Job Description The Global Security Directorate at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking candidates for a Nonproliferation Research Scientis... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Graduate Fellow - Research Associate jobs in the Aiken, SC area that may be a better fit.

  • Savannah River National Laboratory Aiken, SC
  • Job Description The Geophysics Senior Research Fellow will lead advanced research and field programs focused on the development, application, and interpret... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • Inside Higher Ed Augusta, GA
  • Job ID: 300136 Location: Augusta University Full/Part Time: Full Time Regular/Temporary About Us Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for educ... more
  • 26 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!