How to Apply

The Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) application is now open for the Summer 2026 term. Applications are due January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. You can access the online application system here.

Scheduled Events:

VFP Application Assistance Workshops

  • [Cancelled] November 7, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. ET: Application Assistance Workshop
    Join us for the upcoming VFP Application Assistance workshop. This session will provide an overview of the program and equip you with effective strategies for submitting a compliant application.
    [Click to view the presentation here.]
  • December 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. ET: Alumni Panel Workshop
    Gain insights into the collaborative experience directly from program alumni by joining our upcoming panel discussion. This session will provide valuable information about the program, guide you through the application process, and address your questions.
    [Click to view presentation here.]

VFP Office Hours:

December 2, 9, and 16th, 2025 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT 
Questions? The program office will be holding office hours to address administrative questions regarding the application process, including submission procedures. We encourage both applicants and letter-of-recommendation writers to attend. Registration is required to attend.

Virtual Internship Fair (VIF) Registration:
Please join the DOE Office of Science Virtual Internship Fair, November 6, 2025, from 1:00–5:00 pm EST. You will have the opportunity to meet and live-chat with experts to learn about Summer 2026 internships, research and development, and career opportunities at the DOE National Laboratories. The event is sponsored by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, and technical support is provided by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Register by clicking here today!

[All dates are tentative and subject to change.]

General Application Information

  • All VFP applications must be completed using the online system.
  • First-Time Faculty Applicants
    • Choose a Laboratory and Co-Investigator: Decide which national laboratory you will apply to and identify your laboratory co-investigator.
    • Create Your Application Account: Create your faculty application account here: [Link to Application Account Creation]
    • Request WARS Account: Immediately email the laboratory’s VFP point of contact to request a "WARS account" for your co-investigator. This should be done early in the process.
      • Important Deadline: New co-Principal Investigators cannot be added after December 31, 2025 (7 days before the closing date). If your co-Principal Investigator is not listed for selection in the application system after January 1, 2026, you will be ineligible to apply.
  • Student Invitations (optional)
    • Invited students will receive an email invitation to apply from their faculty applicant. Do not create your own VFP account. Student accounts are created automatically once a faculty member invites you within their application.
    • Faculty members must invite students within the application system by December 31, 2025 (7 days before the closing date). No student participants can be added after this deadline.
  • Completeness and Accuracy:
    • Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered for review and selection.
    • Reviewers will base their evaluation solely on the materials uploaded into the application system.
  • Guidance and Support: For help with your application, review the Application Workshops, Past Workshop Recordings, and attend Office Hours (if applicable).
  • Selection Process: For details on how applications are selected, please review: [Application Selection Process and Notification]

Required Application Components for Faculty:

  1. Online Application Form: Complete all required fields, including:
    • Contact and Education Information
    • Citizenship Status
    • Your chosen laboratory/facility and research interests
    • Essays
    • Student Participation (Optional): If inviting students, you will manage this within your application. Remember the December 31, 2025 deadline for inviting students.
  2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV):
    • Submit your CV online.
    • Privacy Reminder: Before uploading, you must remove (blank out, black out, or make illegible) any Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth (month, day, and year). Applications containing this Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be deemed non-compliant and will not be forwarded for review.
  3. Two Letters of Support:
    • Recommendations are submitted directly online by your recommenders.
    • Request Early: You can request recommendations before submitting your application. Access the "Request Recommendations" tab in your VFP account.
    • Your Responsibility: It is your responsibility to inform your recommenders that they must submit their letter using the online system by the application deadline. Discuss this request in advance and allow them ample time.
    • Automated System: Once you enter your recommender's contact information, the system automatically sends them an email with instructions.
    • Recommendation Requirements:
      • Quantity: A minimum of two recommendations is required; you may solicit up to three. Keep in mind, only the first two completed in the system will be included in your application.
      • Recommender Qualifications: Ask individuals familiar with your education, training, experience, aptitude, or potential relevant to the VFP.
      • VFP Teaching Experience Track applicants: At least one recommendation must be from your department head or dean. This letter must explicitly state their approval of your application and participation.
      • Restrictions: Recommendations are not allowed from family members, friends, or friends of family members.
      • WDTS will not accept mailed or emailed recommendations.
  4. Research Proposal: Submit a research project proposal online that you have co-developed with research staff at your chosen host DOE laboratory. Refer to the proposal guidance webpage.

Application Requirements for Invited Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Students are invited to participate in the VFP by a faculty applicant.
  • Invitation is Mandatory: You must be invited by a faculty member through their application system. This invitation must occur by December 31, 2025.
  • Unique Application Link: Once invited, you will receive an email with a unique application link tied to your faculty member's application.
  • Account Creation: Use this link to create your VFP account. Do not create an account before receiving this invitation.
  • Familiarize Yourself: Once your account is created, review the requested information and complete your application before the deadline.

Required Application Components for Students:

  1. Online Application Form: Complete all required fields, including:
    • Contact and Education Information
    • Citizenship Status
    • Laboratory/facility choice and research interests
    • Essays
  2. Transcripts (Undergraduate Students Only):
    • Submit your undergraduate transcripts online through the VFP Student online application system.
    • Privacy Reminder: Before uploading, you must remove (blank out, black out, or make illegible) any Social Security numbers and/or full dates of birth (month, day, and year). Applications with this PII will not be reviewed.
    • Acceptable Transcripts: You can submit either official or unofficial transcripts. They must include:
      • Your name
      • Name of the university/college
      • All courses with grades
      • Cumulative GPA
    • Unacceptable Transcripts: Degree audits or advising reports are not accepted.
    • Eligibility Check:
      • Submit the most recent transcript from your current or recently-graduated undergraduate institution (printed/accessed no earlier than the application opening date).
      • Also submit transcripts from all other undergraduate academic institutions you attended as a matriculated postsecondary student within the 5 years preceding your current enrollment (including transfer credits).
    • Uploading:
      • Upload transcripts as legible Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files.
      • Ensure they clearly show your name, institution name, courses, grades, and GPA.
      • The system has a redaction tool to help you remove PII. It is your responsibility to ensure PII is removed.
    • Do not mail or email transcripts directly to DOE. They will not be considered.
  3. Two Letters of Support:
    • Recommendations are submitted directly online by your recommenders.
    • Request Early: You are encouraged to request recommendations before submitting your application. Access the "Request Recommendations" tab in your VFP Student account.
    • Your Responsibility: Inform your recommenders that they must submit their letter using the online system by the application deadline. Discuss this request in advance.
    • Automated System: The system automatically emails recommenders with instructions.
    • Recommendation Requirements:
      • Quantity: A minimum of two recommendations is required; you may solicit up to three. Keep in mind, only the first two completed in the system will be included in your application.
      • Recommender Qualifications: Ask individuals familiar with your education, training, experience, aptitude, or potential relevant to the VFP. These should be individuals who can objectively judge your performance, such as STEM course instructors, internship mentors/supervisors, or research advisors. Faculty applicants can provide recommendations for their invited students.
      • Restrictions: Recommendations are not allowed from family members, friends, or friends of family members.
      • WDTS will not accept mailed or emailed recommendations.