Physical Sciences Undergraduate Internship Program
- Req. Number: IRC132476
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
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.
Examples of LANL projects in Physical Science include, but are not limited to:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
Student selected for UGS internships in Physical Sciences are most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills:
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: The application and required documents must be submitted by February 14, 2025.
When applying, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
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:
Please note that student employees may not receive all benefits depending on their appointment type.
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.
Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
*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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
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: 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.
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.
Examples of LANL projects in Physical Science include, but are not limited to:
- 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 Requirements
- 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). Entering college freshmen must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an undergraduate degree program.
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent),
Student selected for UGS internships in Physical Sciences 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 an 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: The application and required documents must be submitted by February 14, 2025.
When applying, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Please note that student employees may not receive all benefits depending on their appointment type.
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.
Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
*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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
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: 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.
