Graduate Internship - Physical Sciences

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO/HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory's Physical Sciences Graduate Student (GRA) Program offers paid summer and year-round internships for graduate students in various Physical Science disciplines. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development through a formal work plan aligned with the student's area of study.

LANL projects include modeling and experiments in areas such as nuclear waste storage, plasma modeling, fluid dynamics, and quantum materials.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate degree program in a Physical Science discipline.
• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent.
• Entering students must provide documentation of matriculation.

Responsibilities

• Engage in LANL physical science projects under mentorship.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Participate in professional development and safety training.
• Support dissemination of findings within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Programming

Experimental techniques

Lab experience

Professional communication

Results-driven

Education

Graduate student in Physical Science

Job description

What You Will Do

Do something that matters and make a real difference at one of the world's most prestigious and innovative multidisciplinary research institutions. The Physical Sciences Graduate Student (GRA) Program offers paid summer and year-round internships for graduate students in a variety of Physical Science disciplines. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study.

Examples of LANL projects in Physical Science include, but are not limited to:

• Modeling and laboratory experiments related to the long-term storage of high-level nuclear waste in a salt repository;
• Low-Density plasma modeling utilizing Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron energy distributions;
• Application of fluid dynamics modeling techniques to develop and refine simulations for physical systems such as stars, planets, Earth's climate, as well as engineered systems;
• Ultrafast optical experiments involving quantum materials;
• Using uncertainty quantification methods to improve full-scale models of new carbon capture technologies;
• Modeling neutron scattering and yield within systems involving extreme temperature and pressure conditions;
• Theoretical studies and modeling of actinide chemistry under a variety of physical conditions; and
• Using neutrinos and neutrons to probe the fundamental laws that govern the evolution of the universe.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirement

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science discipline. Examples of physical science disciplines in greatest demand include: Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Materials, and Physics.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent) in an accredited degree-granting program (or international equivalent).
• Entering graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

Desired Qualifications

• Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis;
• Experimental techniques currently used within your selected scientific field(s);
• Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and
• Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.

Work Environment

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.