National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Undergraduate Intern - Summer 2026
About The Position
The National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate has multiple openings for continuing undergraduate students to engage in practical research experiences to further their educational goals. You will have opportunities to work in a wide array of fields, such as lasers, laser-plasma physics, electro-optics, software development, and optical, x-ray, and nuclear instrument development and testing. For more information, please visit: https://lasers.llnl.gov/education/summer-scholar . References may be required. You will Work alongside scientists conducting research at onsite laser and nuclear facilities in the areas of advanced laser development, laser plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, materials science, radiation physics and various advanced diagnostic systems. Conduct research (experimental, theoretical, or modeling) in assigned areas, under close supervision. Gather and analyze data or information in support of scientific research. Communicate research results: document work, present and discuss findings. Attend relevant seminars and prepare a poster for the Student Intern Poster Symposium. Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Must be a college or university student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited institution, and pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience with tools related to your field of study. For experimental work this can include data reduction and manipulation, image processing, computer-aided drafting, or similar; for theoretical/computational work this includes numerical methods and scientific programming languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
- A sustained record of outstanding academic performance.
- Ability to work full time for ten to twelve weeks during the summer months.
- Ability to apply basic engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
- Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
- Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
- Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in physics or engineering laboratory settings for experimental assignments, and in cluster/high-performance computing or plasma physics codes for computational assignments.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside scientists conducting research at onsite laser and nuclear facilities in the areas of advanced laser development, laser plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, materials science, radiation physics and various advanced diagnostic systems.
- Conduct research (experimental, theoretical, or modeling) in assigned areas, under close supervision.
- Gather and analyze data or information in support of scientific research.
- Communicate research results: document work, present and discuss findings.
- Attend relevant seminars and prepare a poster for the Student Intern Poster Symposium.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Holiday Pay
- Sick leave accrual
- Individual 401(k) contributions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
