Materials Science and Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Course credit possible

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls is offering a PhD internship focused on microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical property evaluation through tensile testing. The intern will assist in data analysis, interpretation, and preparing formal technical reports, with potential co-authorship for journal publications.

The position reports to the Irradiated Fuels and Materials team and operates on a 9x80 onsite schedule at the Idaho Falls Campus.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Doctorate degree program in Materials Science or related field
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT/OPT)
• Current resume or CV
• Unofficial transcripts
• Current class schedule and credits

Responsibilities

• Perform microstructural characterization using SEM
• Conduct mechanical testing (tensile) and analyze results
• Contribute to data interpretation and formal technical reports
• Co-author content for journal publication
• Support preparation of reports for publication and review

Skills

Data analysis

Report writing

Laboratory work

Communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Tensile testing equipment

Job description

Posting description

This internship offers hands‑on experience in microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical property evaluation through tensile testing. The intern will contribute to data analysis and interpretation, and will play an active role in preparing formal technical reports and co-authoring content for journal publication.

Reporting to the Irradiated Fuels and Materials team. This team works a 9x80s schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls Campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability. You may be eligible for course credit for this internship if approved by your university.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrolled full time in a Doctorate degree program at an accredited college/university studying Materials Science, or other closely related engineering field.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Compensation and Benefits

• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83/hour - $39.33/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65/hour - $41.29/hour)
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

Physical requirement

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.