Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can the Post-Doctoral Professional Development Program (PD)²P do for me?

The program is chartered to provide the necessary resources and information to assist Sandia postdocs (PDs) make the transition to careers in academia, industry, and government laboratories. The resources we intend to provide for post-docs include:

(i) a website with information important to PDs,
(ii) affiliate memberships in the National Post-doctoral Association (NPA),
(iii) a PD-organized technical seminar series (PReSS) and symposium where PDs can present their research, and
(iv) a monthly professional development workshop series that will highlight information and skills requisite to become outstanding candidates for permanent research positions.

2. What is the mission of the (PD)²P?

To advance Sandia National Laboratories research enterprise thru fostering a robust postdoctoral community and enhancing the qualityof the postdoctoral experience for all participants.

3. How do I find a PD opportunity at SNL?

Please visit:
a. Postdoctoral Programs (NM);
b. Postdoctoral Programs (CA) ; and
c. CINT Fellowship;
for updates on available opportunities.

4. What kind of research opportunities exist at SNL?

Sandia National Laboratories is a federally funded research and development organization and contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Sandia has research focus areas in advanced computing; information systems and mathematics; bioscience and technology; combustion, chemical, and plasma sciences; engineering sciences; geosciences; intelligent systems and robotics; materials science and technology; microelectronics and microsystems; nanosciences and technology; pulsed power and directed energy; and remote sensing and satellite systems.
For more information, please visit our NM Corporate and CA websites.

5. What is PReSS and how do I sign up to present at the PReSS technical seminar series?

The Post-doc/Recent Staff Seminar (PReSS) series aims to hold an informal hour-long seminar about once a month where 2 post-docs or recently-hired (within the past 5 years) staff give a general talk about a research topic they are working on or are interested in (25 minutes each), followed by a period of questions/discussion. This is meant to be an informal and collegial atmosphere for people to present their research and ideas. Attendance is open to all who are interested. Through attendance and participation, researchers in various organizations and fields across Sandia gain exposure, learn about other work being performed at Sandia, share ideas, and network.
A virtual sign-up sheet and calendar can be found for both NM and CA on under PReSS (internal link only).

7. What is the National Post-doctoral Association (NPA)?

The National Postdoctoral Association is a professional association that provides a unique, national voice for postdoctoral scholars. The NPA was founded in 2003, with an ambitious agenda to enhance the quality of the postdoctoral experience. Since its founding, the NPA has assumed a leadership role in addressing the many issues confronting the postdoctoral community that are national in scope, requiring action beyond the local level.

8. How do I get NPA membership?

The NPA is pleased to offer a free affiliate membership to all individuals affiliated with selected sustaining member institutions. This includes a subscription to NPA’s quarterly newsletter (Postdocket) and to its periodic e-mail Alerts (E-Alerts) and access to all members-only content on the NPA website.

9. How can I self-evaluate my PD experience at SNL to improve my resume?

We encourage you to download our self-evaluation form as soon as you begin your postdoctoral experience at SNL. Share your goals and this self-evaluation with your technical advisor, mentor, and the (PD)²P to help assist you in your transition into a permanent career.

10. How can I support the (PD)²P?

a. You can become a member of the (PD)²P advisory committee
b. Participate and volunteer in (PD)²P sponsored activities
c. Offer your suggestions to snlpostdocs@sandia.gov

11. What opportunities are there for teaching experience while an SNL PD?

a. A number of non-traditional teaching opportunities exist at SNL through volunteerism and mentoring. We are looking for excellent volunteers to help teach in our Educational Outreach Programs in NM and CA
b. You could also teach and mentor students (high school to graduate) working at the laboratory through our student internship programs in (NM)and (CA)

12. What opportunities are there for grant writing experience while an SNL PD?

a. Opportunities vary and they depend on the technical advisor and department.
b. Most PDs have the opportunity to write proposals to the annual call for Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) proposals. (internal link)

13. I missed a workshop, where can I find copies of the information presented?

Copies of workshop slides and handouts will be archived and available under Workshop Calendar 1–2 weeks after the workshop has taken place. Other links to access professional development advice from the NPA and other professional societies can also be found here.

14. I am a recent hire, what networking opportunities are available through (PD)²P and at SNL?

We, have bi-monthly networking opportunities through PReSS and the Workshop Calendar series. You can also network at SNL by attending any the weekly technical seminars offered through out the laboratory.

15. Where do PDs go after SNL?

Data coming soon!