Student: Lab Assistant

Space Dynamics Laboratory; Logan, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a student to assist in contamination control activities across the laboratory, including chemical and thermal vacuum tasks, chemical analysis, materials testing, microscopy, and cleanroom and supply stocking.

This internship provides hands-on experience in a national security–oriented lab supporting NASA and the DoD, with the SDL Student Scholar Program offering technical workshops and stipends for eligible student employees.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at Utah State University pursuing a degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Must have a minimum of one year of school remaining.
• Ability to work 15-20 hours per week during the school year and 30-40 hours per week during the summer.
• Must have a strong aptitude for laboratory work.
• Ability and willingness to apply safe laboratory practices.
• Ability to apply basic principles of chemistry and physics in real situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of following through on assigned tasks.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or other U.S. person.

Responsibilities

• Assist in contamination control activities across the laboratory.
• Perform chemical and thermal vacuum laboratory tasks and chemical analysis.
• Contribute to materials testing and microscopy work.
• Assist with precision cleaning of aerospace hardware.
• Stock and maintain cleanroom and laboratory supplies.

Skills

Laboratory work aptitude

Verbal and written communication

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Enrolled at Utah State University pursuing chemistry/physics or related field

Tools

Microscopy

Materials testing

Cleanroom procedures

Job description

Job ID: 9404
Date Posted: August 31, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a student to assist in laboratory-wide contamination control activities. Responsibilities and experience will include chemical and thermal vacuum laboratory tasks, chemical analysis, materials testing, microscopy, precision cleaning of aerospace hardware, and cleanroom and laboratory supply stocking and maintenance.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled at Utah State University pursuing a degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Must have a minimum of one year of school remaining
• Ability to work 15-20 hours per week during the school year and 30-40 hours per week during the summer
• Must have a strong aptitude for laboratory work
• Ability and willingness to apply safe laboratory practices
• Ability to apply basic principles of chemistry and physics in real situations
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Must be self-motivated and capable of following through on assigned tasks
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or other U.S. person

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of general chemistry lecture/lab

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods while working in a cleanroom environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently reach overhead
• Must be able to independently put on and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Comfortable working safely with chemicals in a cleanroom setting

Student Scholar Program:

SDL provides unique opportunities for student employees to develop real-world experience and knowledge beyond the classroom through our Student Scholar Program. This program offers monthly technical workshops, outreach activities, and academic stipends to eligible student employees. All SDL student employees are invited to participate in the program to expand their professional network while supporting SDL's mission.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [e-mail].