DOE Energy Physics – DAIS program; Developing AI Skills

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is offering physics research internships for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, sponsored by the Office of High Energy Physics (HEP). Our PNNL Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development (OSEWD) is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in exploring opportunities in HEP and learning more about the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance and accelerate physics research.

Undergraduate physics majors from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) are encouraged to apply for this 11-week internship that includes a one week HEP and AI bootcamp and then the opportunity to apply that learning to an internship project under a dedicated mentor.

This 11-week internship will run from May 26th, 2026, through August 7, 2026
. This internship will begin May 26, 2026 virtually, with in-person full-time participation beginning June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026
. Applicants must be available to start on May 26th and work up to 40 hours per week on-site in Richland, WA starting June 8th.

Due to sponsor funding requirements, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled in the Physics program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).

• Participate in a one‑week High Energy Physics (HEP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) bootcamp led by PNNL’s Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development, HEP researchers, computer/data scientists, CSUSB faculty, and project mentors.
• Develop a foundational, working understanding of high energy physics concepts and the application of AI tools and methods in physics research.
• Apply the knowledge gained from the bootcamp to a hands‑on research project in high energy physics under the guidance of an assigned mentor.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, mentors, and peer interns to advance project goals and contribute to research discussions.
• Communicate project progress through meetings, presentations, or written summaries as required by the research team.

• Candidates must have a high school diploma/GED or higher.
• Candidates must be degree‑seeking undergraduate students enrolled in the undergrad Physics program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
• Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age by start date.

• Experience with Python.

Not applicable.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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 careers.

USD $17.13/Hr.

USD $23.08/Hr.