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Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base. We are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Responsibilities

Ready to take on real-world national security challenges before you graduate?

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is looking for motivated PhD students to join the **National Security Internship Program (NSIP)** —a paid opportunity where you’ll work on meaningful science that strengthens our nation.

If you’re excited by the idea of:

+ Tackling big, complex problems in national security, energy, and science

+ Applying cutting-edge research to protect the nation

+ Exploring chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives-related measurement and analysis

•then this internship is _designed for you._

Interns selected for this opportunity will join the **Nuclear, Chemistry & Biological Technologies Division** , working side-by-side with world-class scientists and engineers on research that truly matters.

Program Details:

+ **Start dates:** Cohort onboarding in May or June 2026

+ **Who should apply:** Students interested in hands-on research, national security missions, and advanced measurement science

+ **What you’ll gain:** Mentorship, real project experience, career growth, and exposure to high-impact national lab work

Your internship will land you in one of eight focus areas:

1. **Radio and Analytical Chemistry:** Establishing nexus for chemistry and radiological materials to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass effect.

2. **Nuclear Engineering and Materials Analysis:** Investing in the expansion and enhancement of our capabilities in nuclear and material technology.

3. **Nuclear Signatures and Nonproliferation:** Delivering the science, technology, and leadership in physics, chemistry, biology, and the engineering of detection systems.

4. **Pathogen Biology and Biochemistry:** Advancing chemical and biological signatures science by using novel chemical approaches to address problems of biological origin.

5. **Applied Radiation Detection and Imaging:** Leading the development and deployment of radiation-interdiction and safeguards systems, technologies, and strategies worldwide.

6. **Threat Detection and Interdiction Testing and Evaluation:** Leading the evaluation of complex detection systems for national and international security.

7. **CBRNE Forensics:** Providing critical research, technology, and operations expertise for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives worldwide.

8. **STEM Leadership Development:** Committing to train, support, and inspire a diverse cadre of scientists, engineers, and other future leaders in national security.

If you want an internship where your work has purpose, where you’re challenged and supported, and where your contributions make an impact, apply to NSIP and help shape the future of national security science.

****HOW TO APPLY****

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:

**Step 1:** Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).

**Step 2:** Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “NCBT - Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.

**Cover letter should include:** Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.

+ Minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Disciplines of interest: acoustics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, chemical engineering, computational chemistry, computer science, criminal justice, criminal network detection, electrical engineering, electromagnetics, forensic analysis, geospatial analysis, illicit trafficking, intelligence & security studies, inorganic chemistry, law enforcement, material science, mathematical and statistical methods & modeling, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, microbiology, molecular biology, nuclear engineering, nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear physics, nuclear science, nuclear security and risk analysis, optical engineering, optics, particle physics, physical chemistry, physics, radiochemistry, radiography, security studies, software engineering, technology assessment, data analytics, and terrorism.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Additional Information

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Regular Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $24.04/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $36.06/Hr.