Nuclear Nonproliferation Intern - Fall 2026

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The SMART group is part of Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Nonproliferation division, which develops technologies, methods, and policy analysis for safeguarding nuclear materials and verifying compliance with nonproliferation and arms control treaties. The division's work spans nuclear material accounting, detection and measurement instrumentation, and nuclear forensics. The SMART group develops instrumentation and measurement techniques for accounting for and verifying nuclear materials at current and next-generation reactor and reprocessing facilities.

The team works onsite at the Idaho Falls Campus on a 9x80 schedule. Internship start date and duration vary based on project and student availability. Internships are typically multi-level, with placement determined by degree field and education level.

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 United States.
• Provide a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts including 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.
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.

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.
• Contribute to instrumentation circuitry and hardware design, spectroscopy systems, general chemistry support, sample preparation and analysis, and testing and evaluation of detection or measurement systems.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree