Undergraduate Technical Intern - EMSL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division seeks an energetic undergraduate-level part-time intern to fill a cutting-edge undergraduate research assistant position that supports current field campaigns sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). The successful candidate will be mentored by several EMSL scientists to work in the EMSL User Facility and engage in research on a DOE project in coordination with the EMSL User Facility and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) partners. The applicant will be expected to support field campaigns by organizing supplies, maintaining instruments for particle sample collection, preparing the sampling device (e.g., impactors and filters), cataloging the field samples, and quality checking the field samples using electron and optical microscopy. This position will provide an opportunity to work with multiple teams of scientists and build professional networks inside and outside of PNNL. The position will provide the opportunity to use many advanced tools available within EMSL to elucidate atmospheric aerosol particles. Applicants with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science are desired. Prior experience in operating research-grade instruments and data analysis is preferred. The candidate should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed manuscript preparation and publication. EMSL is a national scientific user facility and research division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). EMSL is supported and stewarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). The EMSL User facility is designed to provide innovative and breakthrough experimental and computational science that addresses the BER mission goals by providing access to more than 75 state-of-the-art instrumental and computational capabilities. EMSL Users address some of the most important molecular-to-mesoscale challenges relevant to DOE missions. Please note this is a year-round position and onsite in Richland, Washington.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university
Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Nice To Haves

Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or a related field; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
Hands-on experience in a chemistry lab, including familiarity with basic lab tools and techniques.
Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new analytical instruments and methods.
Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research tasks independently, with initiative in supporting project deliverables such as manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical staff.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Familiarity with Electron Microscopy techniques is a plus.
Experience with relevant software tools (please specify, e.g., ImageJ, OriginLab, etc.) is a plus.
Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python is a plus.
Prior experience in operating research-grade instruments and data analysis is preferred.
Backgrounds in chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science are desired.

Responsibilities

Support field campaigns by organizing supplies
Maintain instruments for particle sample collection
Prepare the sampling device (e.g., impactors and filters)
Catalog the field samples
Quality check the field samples using electron and optical microscopy
Work in the EMSL User Facility and engage in research on a DOE project in coordination with the EMSL User Facility and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) partners
Use advanced tools available within EMSL to elucidate atmospheric aerosol particles
Contribute to peer-reviewed manuscript preparation and publication