Undergraduate and Graduating High School Senior Internship - Computational Sciences

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) offers paid summer and year-round internship opportunities for undergraduates in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. The Computational Science Undergraduate Student (UGS) Program provides mentoring, hands-on experience, and professional development through a structured work plan aligned with the student’s studies.

UGS students contribute to LANL projects across diverse areas, including agent-based modeling, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in Computer Science or Mathematics.
• Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).
• Entering first-year students must provide documentation of matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Preferred: programming experience in Python or C++, and coursework in differential equations.
• Familiarity with scientific research methods and data demonstrated by completed coursework in the natural sciences.

Responsibilities

• Support LANL projects in a wide range of areas including computer science, mathematics, and statistics.
• Use agent-based techniques to model and manage interdictions and emergency responses in multi‑treat environments.
• Help develop explanations for the predictions of a random forest classifier.
• Refine a variable‑resolution ocean model to improve physics while reducing computational costs.
• Design, develop, and test Raspberry Pi devices for LANL science and global security research missions.
• Evaluate malware‑triggered alerts, host logs, and network logs for cybersecurity forensic analysis.
• Apply machine learning techniques to improve image processing and mechanical response in aerial robots.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis using the R statistical programming language.

Skills

Python

C++

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 Computational Science Undergraduate Student (UGS) Program offers paid summer and year‑round internships for undergraduate students in a variety of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics projects. The UGS program provides mentoring, hands‑on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study. Computational Science UGS students support LANL projects in a wide range of project areas including, but are not limited to:

• Using agent‑based techniques to model and manage interdictions and emergency responses in multi‑treat environments;
• Comparing techniques for extracting human‑understandable explanations for the predictions provided by a random forest classifier;
• Refining a variable‑resolution ocean model to improve the underlying physics while reducing computational costs;
• Design, develop, and test Raspberry Pi device in support of LANL science and global security research mission;
• Evaluating malware‑triggered alerts, host logs, and network logs in support of cybersecurity forensic analysis;
• Using machine learning techniques to improve image processing and mechanical response in aerial robots; and
• Sensitivity analysis for Neticaâ using the R Statistical programming language.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirement

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in any Computer Science or Mathematics (or related) discipline.
• Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent) in an accredited degree program (or international equivalent).
• Entering first‑year students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications

• Computer programming (Python, C++, etc.) in support of scientific or engineering applications; Advanced mathematical methods, (i.e. completed coursework in differential equations);
• Familiarity with scientific research methods and data demonstrated by completed coursework in the natural sciences;
• Familiarity with cutting edge computational research in applications such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing;
• 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.

Note to Applicants

When applying, candidates must attach a resume, personal statement (not to exceed one page), and their most recent transcripts (or evidence of having accepted an offer of admission if transcript is unavailable). Personal statements are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most notable achievements and accomplishments. It should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.

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

Important: The application is NOT complete without the 3 documents. Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents will not be considered for employment.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and most hiring decisions will have been made by mid-February 2027 for the summer.

The application and required documents must be submitted by February 19, 2027.

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 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.