Post Bachelors Research Associate - 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) 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 recent graduates who are interested in participating at the Richland campus.

This internship begins on September 28, 2026
. Applicants must be available to start on that date and work on-site.

The METALLIC LIFT Post Bachelor Research Associate will support separation science of critical materials. You will play a hands-on role in advancing applied aspects of critical materials separation and purification. Working closely with senior scientists, you will:

• Perform wet chemistry and separation experiments, including liquid-liquid solvent extraction, ion exchange, sorption, and crystallization
• Accurately document experimental protocols, organize data, and communicate results to the research team
• Learn to independently execute experimental testing and prioritize tasks in dynamic research environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within the past 24 months, or complete their bachelor's degree by September 18, 2026.
• Must be able to start on September 28, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline
• Highly motivated to learn fundamental and applied aspects of separation chemistry and acquire new experimental skills
• Experience working in a chemistry lab
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite tools

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 (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.

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