MSIPP CONNECT Masters Intern

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. The Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group leverages partnerships around the world and expertise spanning multiple domains to address complex domestic and international security challenges. STA equips decision makers with nuanced insights and mitigation strategies in a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by emergent adversaries and technologies. Our experts bring a deep understanding of technical analysis, nonproliferation, risk and resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated approaches, and vulnerabilities within international systems and institutions.

Requirements

Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including cross-cultural communication.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and on multi-disciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Candidates should be matriculated/enrolled in a master’s program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), as a participant in the CONNECT consortium.
Experience performing open-source research.
Knowledgeable in at least one nonproliferation domain such as nuclear security, nuclear safeguards, radiological source security, export control compliance, strategic trade controls, and arms control.
Has demonstrated educational or professional experience applying quantitative and qualitative research and analysis techniques to inform policy.
Familiarity with federal organizations such as the Departments of Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), State (DOS), and Defense (DOD); the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Has completed coursework in policy, law, nonproliferation, and national security topics.
Classes, degrees, or certification in specialized topics such as arms control, export controls, sanctions, economics, international trade, law, and data analysis are desired.
Experience with legal and policy research related to international relations is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

This internship position is available within the Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group under the National Security Directorate.
Candidates will be asked to contribute to research and programmatic support to STA programs and will have the opportunity to contribute to both domestic and international efforts that promote U.S. Government international security and nonproliferation objectives.
Positions will be located virtually but may involve travel to the PNNL Seattle or Richland campuses.
Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to Laboratory projects. This may include work on discrete pieces of larger projects or simultaneously on multiple projects.
Interns will work on multi-disciplinary teams to contribute significantly to completing organizational projects that advance laboratory mission activities.
Seek out mentoring opportunities.
Utilize technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines; determine significance and reliability of incoming information; integrate new information with current data.
Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty.
Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance the frontiers of science and address some of the most challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment.
Exercise knowledge of theory and general industry standards/practices in nonproliferation and nuclear security-related discipline or subject area.
Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources while utilizing technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines, including national and international law.
Uses analytic techniques to develop creative or unique solutions to a variety of national and international nuclear nonproliferation problems, particularly those involving intersection of existing and emerging technologies, laws, regulations, and policies.