Summer 2025 Undergraduate & High School Research Internship - Nanointegration & Advanced Microscopy
- Req. Number: IRC136875
- Organization : MPA-CINT/Center For Integrated Nanotechnologies
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
We are looking for a high school or undergraduate student that is interested in gaining hands-on experience in nanotechnology, advanced microscopy, and materials science. The student intern will contribute to a multidisciplinary research project focused on advancing multimodal microscopy and nanointegration strategies.
The student will assist in experimental projects involving dip-pen nanolithography and other scanningprobe based techniques. They will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and work alongside leading scientists in the field. A key focus will be learning and applying methodologies for integrating nanoscale materials, such as colloidal quantum dots, into advanced structures like plasmonic resonators and photonic cavities.
Work will be conducted in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), a Nanoscale Science Research Center and User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science by Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. The student will collaborate with a team of Ph.D. scientists, postdocs, and students with expertise in quantum dot synthesis, scanning probe microscopy, and optical spectroscopy.
This internship provides an excellent opportunity to develop laboratory skills, gain exposure to cutting edge research, and explore potential career paths in nanoscience, chemistry, and materials science. Please reach out directly to Eric Bowes (bowes@lanl.gov) and Jennifer Hollingsworth (jenn@lanl.gov) about this position.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Students who wish to participate in the Research Internship Program must meet all the following requirements:
- Be a high school junior, senior or an undergraduate student at the time of internship.
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of internship.
- Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Attend a high school or university in the United States.
- Pass a pre-employment drug test.
Desired Qualifications:
- Interest in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering.
- Basic experience with laboratory techniques, microscopy, or scientific research.
- Experience with scanning-probe based techniques is an asset.
- Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols and work in a laboratory environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Application Requirements:
To be considered for this internship, students must:
- Upload a cover letter, resume, and current unofficial transcript in the online application.
- Ensure the cover letter describes key aspects of their background and includes two or three academic and career areas of interest.
Internship positions are competitive, and final hiring decisions rest with the research mentors. Selected applicants will be contacted for interviews.
The application and required documents must be submitted by April 15, 2025.
For questions regarding the Research Internship Program, contact the Student Programs Office at studentprograms@lanl.gov.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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)
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.
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. 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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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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.