Undergraduate Technical Intern - METALLIC LIFT

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is hosting a Minerals to Materials Supply Chain Research Facility (METALLIC) Laboratory-to-Industry-For Talent (LIFT) internship program.

METALLIC is a Department of Energy (DOE) initiative led by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and supported by a consortium of nine national laboratories. METALLIC LIFT is an emerging workforce development effort that is part of the broader METALLIC ecosystem. It embeds workforce development directly into the critical minerals and materials (CMM) innovation ecosystem and provides a key pathway to careers in the supply-chain ecosystem.

LIFT is designed to deliver impact immediately, helping to create career interest now, while building durable talent pipelines aligned with DOE priorities. LIFT strategically leverages DOE national laboratory capabilities and facilities to drive institutional capacity, create jobs, and pave pathways to CMM careers in the Lab system and with industry. Integrating workforce into METALLIC ensures technical advances translate into deployable capacity, resilient regional ecosystems, and a workforce capable of securing America's critical mineral future.

PNNL is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in participating at either the Richland or Seattle campus.

The internship begins on September 28, 2026. Applicants must be available to start on that date and work on-site. During the academic year, interns are required to work between 10 and 15 hours per week.

The METALLIC LIFT interns will support multidisciplinary research and program activities focused on strengthening domestic critical minerals and materials supply chains. Interns will work alongside scientists, engineers, and program managers from PNNL and partner national laboratories to advance technology validation, testing, analysis, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Interns will work on novel bench-scale separation technologies, scale up activities, and diverse range of characterization techniques.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a high school diploma/GED or higher
• Candidates must be degree‑seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university and have achieved at least sophomore academic standing by September 28, 2026.
• Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Must be able to start on September 28, 2026
• Applicants must be able to work during the academic year and summer

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Demonstrates interest in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
• Demonstrates interest in critical minerals and materials research
• Relevant coursework desired:
  Chemistry, Engineering

Not applicable.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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.

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…