Short-term Graduate Student Intern

What You Will Do

This internship is designed to bridge the knowledge gap between experimentalists and program managers, broadening graduate students' future outlook beyond the postdoctoral researcher or scientist role. The internship involves working with a LANL scientist and postdoctoral researchers to share knowledge of the production mission and address global security knowledge gaps, including technical work such as synthesis and spectroscopy and program management aspects.

Expected duration: 4‑6 weeks, to occur in late summer to early fall. Final date to receive applications for best consideration:
July 31st, 2026.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in Chemistry or a related physical science degree (e.g., Chemical Engineering).
• Enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent) in an accredited degree‑granting program.
• Enter graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

• Desire to understand the program manager role and its interaction with scientists.
• Knowledgeable about LANL's production mission and/or global security mission.
• Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context.
• Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.

Work location:

onsite, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Contact:
Aaron Tondreau and/or Dan Meininger

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a 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 (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks. The Laboratory requires a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

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 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.