Nuclear Nonproliferation Intern - Fall 2026

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Safeguards Measurements and Advanced Reactor Technologies (SMART) group, the intern will support development of safeguards instrumentation and measurement technologies for nuclear material accounting and verification. Work may include instrumentation circuitry and hardware design, spectroscopy systems, general chemistry support, sample preparation and analysis, and testing and evaluation of detection or measurement systems used for domestic and international safeguards objectives. Applications may relate to existing and advanced reactor designs. The intern will collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Nonproliferation division develops technology, methods, and policy analysis used to safeguard nuclear materials and verify compliance with nonproliferation and arms control treaties. Its work spans nuclear material accounting, detection and measurement instrumentation, and nuclear forensics, supported by access to special nuclear materials and test facilities. The SMART group develops instrumentation and measurement techniques to account for and verify nuclear materials at current and next-generation reactor and reprocessing facilities.

The team works a 9x80 schedule onsite at the Idaho Falls Campus. Internship start date and duration vary based on project and student availability.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with experimental research and laboratory-based characterization, measurement, or testing techniques.
• Currently enrolled full-time in a PhD program at an accredited college or university, studying Nuclear Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
• Authorization to work in the U.S., including CPT and OPT.
• Provide a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts covering current and completed degree programs, and current class schedule and number of credits.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with nuclear or radiological materials, instrumentation, or characterization techniques.
• Prior experience working in a national laboratory or similarly regulated research environment.
• History of research productivity, such as publications, conference presentations, or patents.

Responsibilities

• Support development of safeguards instrumentation and measurement technologies for nuclear material accounting and verification.
• Work on instrumentation circuitry and hardware design, spectroscopy systems, general chemistry, sample preparation and analysis, and testing and evaluation of detection or measurement systems.
• Contribute to safeguards work related to existing and advanced reactor designs.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree