Nuclear Nonproliferation Intern - Fall 2026
About The Position
The Nuclear Nonproliferation Intern will support the Safeguards Measurements and Advanced Reactor Technologies (SMART) group in developing 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 for domestic and international safeguards objectives, including applications relevant to existing and advanced reactor designs. The intern will collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting. The role is part of Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Nonproliferation division, which develops technology, methods, and policy analysis to safeguard nuclear materials and verify compliance with nonproliferation and arms control treaties. The division’s work includes nuclear material accounting, detection and measurement instrumentation, and nuclear forensics. 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 according to project and student availability. The position may require working more than eight hours per day and working alone.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Support domestic and international safeguards objectives, including applications relevant to existing and advanced reactor designs.
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting.
Benefits
- Paid holiday time off.
- Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
