Undergraduate and Graduating High School Senior Internship - Physical Sciences

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

Life and disability insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites undergraduate students to join the Physical Sciences Undergraduate Student Program for summer or year-round internships. The program combines mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and a formal work plan aligned with your study area.

Opportunities include modeling waste storage, ultrasound data work, and experiments across quantum materials and high-energy physics. Onsite work in Los Alamos, NM with a strong emphasis on safety and scientific

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student in a physical science discipline (astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, hydrology, geology, geophysics, materials, physics).
• Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours (or full-time equivalent).
• Entering first-year students must show matriculation in a degree program.
• GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Responsibilities

• Modeling and laboratory experiments related to long-term nuclear waste storage in a salt repository.
• Automated ultrasound data acquisition and analysis.
• Using neutrinos and neutrons to probe fundamental laws.
• Modeling complex fluid dynamics in various settings.
• Ultrafast optical experiments with quantum materials.
• Analyzing data from the ChemCam instrument on the NASA Curiosity rover.
• Modeling neutron scattering and yield under extreme conditions.
• Using biophysical techniques to study soft matter nanoscale structures.

Skills

Programming for science data

Scientific communication (oral/written

Analytical thinking

Problem solving in teams

Education

Undergraduate in Physical Sciences

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 Physical Sciences Undergraduate Student (UGS) Program offers paid summer and year-round internships for undergraduate students in a variety of Physical Science disciplines. The program provides mentoring, hands‑on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study.

• Modeling and laboratory experiments related to the long-term storage of high-level nuclear waste in a salt repository;


• Automated ultrasound data acquisition and analysis;


• Using neutrinos and neutrons to probe the fundamental laws that govern the evolution of the universe;


• Modeling complex fluid dynamics in a variety of physical settings;


• Ultrafast optical experiments involving quantum materials;


• Analysis of data acquired using the ChemCam instrument currently deployed on the NASA Curiosity rover;


• Modeling neutron scattering and yield within systems involving extreme temperature and pressure conditions; and


• Using biophysical techniques to interrogate soft matter nanoscale structures.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirement

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in any Physical Science discipline. Examples of physical science disciplines in greatest demand include: Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Materials, and Physics.


• 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

Students selected for internships are most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills: Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis;

• Experimental techniques currently used within your selected specific scientific field(s);


• Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety;


• 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

Required Application Materials

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.

Notes to Applicants

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.