NSRC Library and Information Science Graduate Student

What You Will Do
Weapons Research Services (WRS) National Security Research Center (NSRC) is seeking a full-time, summer graduate student to support our Collections Management Team on archival projects.

You will be working at the NSRC, Los Alamos National Laboratory's classified library, containing millions of documents, films, books, and other archival material related to the development, testing, and production of nuclear weapons. Our goal is to hire a student for Summer 2025 who will work without a security clearance, with the intention of advancing this individual through the clearance process. By Summer 2026, we aim for the student to have obtained a Q clearance, enabling them to engage with archival processing of classified materials.

Responsibilities include assisting in the arrangement, description, and processing of archival collections, both physical and digital materials. Additional tasks involve conducting research to support archival and educational initiatives and collaborating with NSRC staff to provide expertise on digital preservation technologies, tools, and emerging trends.

Learning outcomes from this role include developing skills in archival processing, indexing and cataloging, as well as collections management. You will also contribute to the preservation and access of materials related to national security and scientific history.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Skills and Knowledge

The position requires familiarity with physical archival processing and preservation. Additionally, an understanding of digital preservation best practices is essential, including knowledge of digital workflows, metadata standards, and various file formats. Familiarity with digital repository systems or archival content management systems is also required for this role.

Research and Organizational Abilities

The role requires strong organizational and research skills, along with the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Communication and Teamwork

The role requires the ability to proactively communicate in a professional setting and work effectively in both team and solo project environments while fostering a respectful and inclusive space.

Adaptability and Professional Development

The position requires comfort with ambiguity in an iterative development setting, along with studies focused on digital preservation, information science, and metadata.

Education/Experience: Currently enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a closely related field


Desired Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance. Obtaining a Q clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
  • Commitment to a multi-summer internship (Summer 2025 as an uncleared student and Summer 2026 as a Q-cleared student)
  • Interest in programming languages (Python, XML, SQL)
  • Familiarity with the principles of taxonomy, classification, and ontologies
  • Interest in semantic web technologies, controlled vocabularies, and thesaurus construction


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.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, please submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter addressing how you meet the required/desired skills of the position.

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.

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.

Clearance: Q Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.


Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.


How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
  • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.


If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.