OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Materials Sciences and Engineering Division in the Department of Energy’s Basic Energy Sciences supports PNNL research that explores the origin of macroscopic material behaviors and their fundamental connections to atomic, molecular, and electronic structures. At the core of MSE is the quest for a paradigm shift for the deterministic design and discovery of new materials with novel structures, functions, and properties. To accomplish this goal, the portfolio stresses the need to probe, understand, and control the interactions of phonons, photons, electrons, and ions with matter to direct and control energy flow in materials systems over multiple time and length scales. PNNL’s fundamental, experimental, and theoretical research provides a knowledge base for the discovery and design of new materials with novel structures, functions, and properties covering a broad range of materials, from bio-inspired nanomaterials to thin oxide films.
ResponsibilitiesPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking ambitious, high school student intern within the High School Research Intern (HSRI) Program. This internship provides an opportunity for students interested in preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to work during the academic year with a scientist/mentor in a specified research area. Students attend regular classes in their school for half a day and work up to four hours a day, five days each week at the Laboratory. Students must be part of a required work-based learning class. HSRI is a 36-week program, estimated based on start date; the anticipated start date for academic cohort will be August 26, 2025.
We are seeking a motivated HSRI to work with our team on computational materials modeling and the development of computational tools for materials discovery. The role involves working closely with computational scientists on advancing the methodologies for scalable materials design. Responsibilities include contributing to code development and testing, engaging in scientific discussions, and building foundational knowledge in the underlying science. Ideal candidates will have strong quantitative skills, familiarity with calculus and linear algebra, intermediate programming experience, and a basic understanding of chemistry and materials science.
- Contribute towards code testing, validation, and implementation
- Perform data processing and analysis; help in the preparation of project reports
- Interact, communicate, and learn to understand the science behind computational methodologies
- Working with mentors to gain experience and understanding of broader idea of computational materials discovery
****HOW TO APPLY****
To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:
Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).
Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application. Please name the file of the Cover Letter “2025-10799 – Academic 2025 HS SRI Cover Letter”.
If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 3:59 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior in a public or private high school at time of application
- Applicants must be 16 years of age by start date
- Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (from beginning of 9th grade to current standing)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Good quantitative skills, prior experience with calculus and linear algebra
- Intermediate level code handling experience with programming language of choice
- Basic understanding of Chemistry and Material Science
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsRegular Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Temporary Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $16.66/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $30.00/Hr.
