SCIA - STRIVE Laboratory Intern- Part Time

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 8,200 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Materials Research Institute invites applicants for a SCIA-STRIVE Laboratory Intern. The role supports facility operations, safety compliance, and hands-on silicon carbide research alongside staff and graduate students.

Open to high school graduates and U.S. military veterans, the internship is up to 20 hours per week and includes training in Penn State EHS policies, with opportunities to learn new techniques and contribute to ongoing experiments in a dynamic lab setting.

Qualifications

• High school graduate required.
• U.S. military veteran preferred.
• Able to work up to 20 hours per week.
• Follow Penn State EHS training and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in a research environment with silicon carbide synthesis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help lab staff and graduate students with facility operations (synthesis, slicing, polishing, characterization).
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Follow health and safety protocols to mitigate risks.
• Report problems to lab staff to track progress of tests.
• Be ready to learn new equipment and test methodologies.
• Help keep lab environment clean.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and service activities.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State is seeking exceptional candidates for a SCIA-STRIVE Laboratory Intern position. This opportunity supports the Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA) , a Penn State initiative dedicated to advancing silicon carbide semiconductor research, technology development, and workforce training, and STRIVE (Semiconductor Training and Research Initiatives for Veterans in Engineering) , a program designed to prepare veterans for careers in the semiconductor industry through hands‑on technical training, mentorship, and industry engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help SCIA lab staff and graduate students with facility operations, including synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization of silicon carbide materials
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Follow appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures to mitigate risks
• Follow and r eport problems to lab staff to track progress of scientific tests
• Ready to learn new equipment and test methodologies
• Help lab staff to keep lab environment clean
• Help lab staff with equipment maintenance and service activities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of high school graduate
• U.S. military veteran
• Able to work up to 20 hours per week
• Able to follow Penn State EHS training and regulatory requirements
• Experience in working in a research environment, with preferred expertise in silicon carbide synthesis and processing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a scientific environment
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment

COMPENSATION

The minimum wage for this job is $7.25.

BACKGROUND CHECKS / CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.