Graduate Student Internship - Engineered Materials (MST-7)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites graduate students to join the Engineered Materials Group (MST-7) as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) for a 9-month internship onsite in Los Alamos, NM. You will work with scientists, engineers, and technicians applying polymer science, coatings, and materials research to national security missions.

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate degree program with a 3.2 cumulative GPA and meet degree prerequisites.

Qualifications

• Complete a minimum of 6 credit hours (or equivalent) of course work the quarter before hire and enroll in and complete at least 6 credit hours per quarter while working as a graduate intern.
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Graduate GPA of at least 3.2 over the course of the program.

Responsibilities

• Pass a pre-employment drug test and uphold a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches to problems.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, for a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q security clearance, typically requiring US citizenship.

Skills

Strong communication skills

US citizenship

Q clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Acceptance into graduate program

Job description

What You Will Do

Come join some of the brightest minds at the most innovative R&D facility supporting our national security! The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Program is an educational program that provides students with relevant research experience while pursuing a graduate degree. Students work with professionals in a variety of career fields while using state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and instrumentation. We offer competitive compensation and value the contributions of all team members. Be a part of our very important national security mission by joining the Laboratory today!

The Engineered Materials Group (MST-7) provides multidisciplinary expertise in materials science ranging from polymers and foams to target fabrication and materials discovery. This expertise is focused on delivering technology solutions for national security missions. The group has great breadth and depth in many aspects of polymer science and engineering, such as a strong coatings capability, including physical and chemical vapor deposition, a suite of polymer additive manufacturing instrumentation, and extensive characterization and forensics capabilities. In particular, MST-7 applies an extensive knowledge of chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering to study matter under various environmental and extreme conditions relevant to our customers. MST-7 is involved in many research programs, such as inertial confinement fusion, nuclear weapons programs, including core and enhanced surveillance, directed stockpile and lifetime extension programs, global security, homeland defense, and civilian applications of materials technologies. MST-7 personnel include scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, and administrative support personnel, who team within the group and with other organizations to fulfill our various missions.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 6 credit hours (or equivalent) of course work the quarter before hire and enroll in and complete at least 6 credit hours per quarter while working as a graduate intern.
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Maintain a graduate cumulative GPA of at least a 3.2 over the course of the program.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and uphold a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing
• Ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, for a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to obtain a DOE "Q" security clearance, typically requiring US citizenship.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with characterization and analytical techniques for polymers (such as DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, and NMR) and/or optical materials.
• Strong computer skills including experience with database management and/or simulations.
• Familiarity with synthesis and processing techniques for polymeric and/or optical materials.

Education

• Completion of a bachelor's degree and acceptance into a graduate degree program. Cumulative graduate GPA of at least a 3.2 is required.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required.

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.

Work Schedule

• The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management. Expected internship duration is 9 months with opportunity for extension. 9/80 or 5/80 hourly schedules.

Note to Applicants

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

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.

Clearance: Q

Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

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 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.