Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Undergraduate Research Associate - Summer 2027

LLNL•Livermore, CA

11d•$23 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) offers undergraduate students a three- to four-month research associate assignment in Summer 2027. Students conduct practical research on global security topics aligned with CGSR and LLNL priorities, supporting their educational and career goals as well as national security strategies and LLNL’s mission. Research topics may include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological and chemical security, and energy security. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-person and virtual work and the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. CGSR brings together science, technology, and policy perspectives to address national security challenges. Its objectives include studying strategic conflict and competition, developing concepts to strengthen the competitive position of the United States and its allies, identifying technical approaches to security challenges, advancing thinking about deterrence and strategic stability, and developing future experts. The appointment is a student intern position. Applicants must be eligible to access the Laboratory under Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act. External applicants selected for the position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. No security clearance is required; assignments exceeding 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year require a Personal Identity Verification process and background check.

Requirements

Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or have completed an AA/AS degree in a field aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
Relevant fields of study include international relations and/or security, political science, economics, public policy, emerging technologies, nonproliferation, energy, biosecurity, foreign language studies, or related fields.
Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement in a relevant field aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
Strong record of independent research and publication, or a strong research proposal for work at CGSR and in future academic and professional settings.
Ability to work in a team environment.
External applicants selected for the position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

Conduct an independent research project on an agreed-upon topic aligned with CGSR/LLNL research priorities, under the supervision of CGSR staff.
Support ongoing CGSR/LLNL research activities, including tasks such as literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
Attend relevant research seminars, speaker series, and workshops.
Present research to LLNL staff at the end of the assignment.
Prepare an end-of-assignment technical report or publication.
Perform assignments in accordance with environmental, safety, and health (ES&H), security, and business practice requirements and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.