MSIPP-EM Masters Intern - Spectral Induced Polarization
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 Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. MSIPP is funded by the DOE Office of Environmental Management. The program focuses on research aligned with DOE-EM’s mission to clean up the environmental legacy left from U.S. nuclear weapons development and nuclear energy research. The ten-week internship provides hands-on experience addressing the cleanup of the Hanford Site, one of the Department of Energy’s most complex locations, where hazardous contaminants are heavily comingled. Selected candidates will gain invaluable knowledge and skills by working on this significant cleanup effort under the direct mentorship of leading scientists and industry professionals. Subsurface Remediation We are seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join our MSIPP-EM summer internship program. The selected candidate will contribute to the advancement of spectral induced polarization (SIP), an electrical geophysical method for real-time monitoring of subsurface remediation technologies. The work will focus on applying SIP to track the effectiveness and evolution of 1) liquid phosphate amendments used to promote in situ apatite formation, and 2) reductants such as zero valent iron (ZVI) used for contaminant immobilization and degradation. By linking SIP responses to geochemical and mineralogical changes in the subsurface, the project aims to establish SIP as a reliable, non-invasive tool for assessing amendment distribution, reaction progress, and long-term performance of remediation strategies. Due to sponsor funding requirements outlined in the MSIPP-EM SOW, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This internship will be in-person and located in Richland, WA.
Requirements
- Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Nice To Haves
- Currently enrolled in a minority serving institution, working towards a science, technology, or mathematics (STEM) degree.
- Strong background in geophysics, with specific experience or coursework in electrical and electromagnetic methods.
- Knowledge of hydrogeology and subsurface remediation processes, particularly reactive amendments (e.g., phosphates, ZVI).
- Experience with geophysical data acquisition, processing, and interpretation; familiarity with spectral induced polarization is preferred.
- Ability to integrate geophysical, geochemical, and mineralogical data to interpret subsurface processes.
- Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R).
Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory experiments to test and refine spectral induced polarization (SIP) methods.
- Analyze SIP data to evaluate geochemical and mineralogical changes associated with subsurface remediation efforts.
- Collaborate with team members to assess amendment effectiveness, reaction progress, and long-term subsurface monitoring techniques.
Benefits
- Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
- Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
