Shull Fellowship Overview

The Clifford G. Shull Fellowship honors Clifford G. Shull, corecipient of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Physics, for his pioneering contributions to the development of neutron diffraction techniques for the studies of condensed matter. Shull began his work in 1946 at what is now ORNL. It is anticipated that this program will provide an opportunity for a limited number of outstanding doctorate-level scientists and engineers to achieve experience in areas of neutron science programs of national importance.

The Shull Fellowship Program is directed to recent doctoral-degree recipients of exceptional ability who show clear and definite promise of becoming outstanding leaders in scientific research and development. The program provides them with opportunity to:

  • Develop neutron science programs in areas of national importance.
  • Pursue research programs within their areas of interest and expertise.
  • Collaborate with ORNL research and development staff and distinguished scientists.
  • Have access to ORNL expertise, facilities, and programs.

Shull fellows should derive significant professional accomplishment and advancement from their appointments. Shull fellows can become candidates for continued employment at ORNL at the conclusion of their fellowship.

Recruitment and employment procedures for Shull fellows are the same as for all professional research and development staff members, with the exception that the Shull Selection Committee serves as the ad hoc review committee.

Qualifications

Each applicant must be the recipient of an earned doctorate and must be no more than three years beyond the doctorate. Applicants should not have previously served more than one postdoctoral appointment. Current ORNL postdoctoral appointees and staff members cannot be considered as valid applicants for the Shull Fellowship.

Appointment of the Shull Fellowship may be made conditionally before actual conferral of the doctorate, provided the candidate has a reasonable expectation of completing all requirements for the degree before the anticipated date of hire. The conferring university must supply a statement that all requirements have been met.

There are no citizenship requirements for Shull Fellowships. ORNL will be responsible for initiating required DOE access approval and for working with the Foreign National Office to process any Visa requirements.

Duration of Appointment

Shull Fellows are appointed for a two-year term, renewable for a third. At the end of the appointment, a fellow's could be converted to regular or temporary staff positions with an ORNL division or program, if adequate funding is available and if suitable tasks and projects are available. The purpose of the program is to retain Shull fellows following their initial assignment with ORNL. Maximum effort will be made to locate a suitable assignment within ORNL for each fellow following the appointment. No extensions or reappointments of the Shull Fellowship can be granted.