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 AI and Data Analytics Division, part of the National Security Directorate, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will be participating in the Grace Hopper Celebration. We welcome qualified individuals, including conference attendees, to express interest in this position. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.
ResponsibilitiesPNNL is seeking PhD students for assignments within the National Security Internship Program (NSIP). The AI and Data Analytics Division is looking for individuals who have a passion for solving critical national challenges using advanced computational, statistical, and mathematical techniques. The intern will be given an opportunity to be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science; apply cutting-edge research to make our nation safer and stronger; develop complex computer code; develop and participate in cyber competitions; design new visualization; work with big data and optimize solutions in diverse domains.
Participants will be starting in cohort sessions and must be available to start in May or June 2026.
Diverse Focus Areas: Your internship can be in one of five technical groups.
Math, Stats, and Data Science: We employ powerful tools and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational statistics, graph and game theory, network science, and uncertainty quantification to solve complex problems in a variety of domains.
Disciplines: Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning, Statistics, Operations Research
Applied AI Systems: We develop hardened and robust models to distill large, fast, distributed, and messy data into knowledge to support decision processes in operational environments on sponsor systems.
Disciplines: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Data Science, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Geospatial Intelligence, and Natural Language Processing
Foundational Data Science: We conceptualize and develop fundamentally new algorithms and tools to address unresolved challenges in distilling large, fast, distributed, and messy data into knowledge to support sponsors’ decision processes.
Disciplines: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Data Science, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Geospatial Intelligence, and Natural Language Processing
Software Engineering & Architectures: We develop high-quality, scalable, cloud-first solutions for tackling large data pipelines and analytics that are delivered to operational sponsor environments. We use industry best practices for professional software development using Agile development practices, code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
Disciplines: Cloud Engineering, Large-Scale Data Engineering, Scalable Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, DevSecOps, Automated Testing, Software Engineering
Human Centered Computing: We combine innovative interactive visualizations with advanced automated data analysis techniques to enable users to gain deeper insights from their data. Make complex data useful through skillful visual design, compelling human computer interaction, sound analytic methods, and solid engineering.
Disciplines: Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Software Engineering, Natural Language Processing, Graph Analytics and Data Visualization
Positions are available in Richland, WA and Seattle, and Sequim WA, based on business need. Positions may also be performed remotely or on campus at PNNL based on business need.
****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 titled “AIDA - Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.
Cover letter should include: Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.
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 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
- Minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional InformationThis position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
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 (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include 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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
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 $23.53/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $35.30/Hr.
