Graduate Intern – AI-Assisted Autonomous Electron Microscopy

Job Overview

Graduate Intern – AI‑Assisted Autonomous Electron Microscopy

Location:

Golden, Colorado. Position Type:
Intern (Fixed Term). Hours per Week: 40.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) – a national laboratory focused on energy system research and development, providing a mission‑driven environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and multidisciplinary research teams.

• Develop and validate Python scripting routines for electron microscope control, including image acquisition, stage manipulation, and adaptive data collection workflows.
• Build and test computer vision pipelines (segmentation, defect detection, etc.) for real‑time analysis of STEM and SEM images.
• Integrate large language model (LLM) interfaces for natural‑language command processing, automated report generation, and AI‑guided experimental planning.
• Apply machine‑learning methods to grain analysis, particle characterization, and compositional mapping using STEM, SEM, and associated spectroscopic datasets.
• Collaborate with research staff to evaluate and iterate on autonomous workflows for throughput, reproducibility, and scientific fidelity.
• Document code, prepare technical summaries, and contribute to reports and publications as appropriate.

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Undergraduate candidates must be enrolled full‑time in a bachelor’s program; post‑undergraduate eligible if a bachelor’s degree was earned within the past 12 months.
• Graduate candidates must be enrolled full‑time in a master’s program; post‑graduate eligible if a master’s degree was earned within the past 12 months.
• PhD candidates must have completed a master’s degree and be enrolled in a PhD program.
• Eligibility for an internship period of up to one year.
• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial transcripts as part of the application process.
• A letter of recommendation will be required if selected.

• Proficiency in Python programming with scientific libraries (Num Py, Sci Py, Pandas, scikit‑image, OpenCV, or equivalent).
• Experience applying machine‑learning or computer‑vision methods to image‑based data (segmentation, classification, detection, or related tasks).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to precision in experimental or computational workflows.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to document and present technical work clearly.

• Hands‑on experience analyzing microscopy images (SEM, TEM, optical, or equivalent), including grain analysis, particle segmentation, or defect characterization.
• Familiarity with LLM APIs or frameworks (Lang Chain, OpenAI API, Hugging Face Transformers).
• Experience working with industrial or laboratory datasets in a research or applied context.
• Background in computational mathematics, data science, or a related quantitative field.
• Coursework or experience in materials characterization, electron microscopy, or related experimental methods (a plus but not required).

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and sick leave (where required by law).

Annual Salary Range (full‑time 40 hours per week): $44,500 – $71,200.

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in accordance with federal law. A pre‑employment drug test is required prior to commencing employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.