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 Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.
ResponsibilitiesMSIPP is funded by the DOE Office of Environmental Management. The program focuses on research aligned with DOE-EM’s mission to clean up the environmental legacy left from U.S. nuclear weapons development and nuclear energy research. The ten-week internship provides hands-on experience addressing the cleanup of the Hanford Site, one of the Department of Energy’s most complex locations, where hazardous contaminants are heavily comingled. Selected candidates will gain invaluable knowledge and skills by working on this significant cleanup effort under the direct mentorship of leading scientists and industry professionals.
Subsurface Remediation
We are seeking a motivated individual to join our MSIPP-EM Summer Internship Program. Environmental remediation of legacy waste sites requires assessment of a range of environmental data, spanning soil and groundwater sample analysis results, borehole geology, geophysical characterization, remediation system operational data, and more. It is critical to have suitable data management, processing, analysis, and visualization that can support communications and remediation decision-making.
The selected candidate will work on projects related to environmental data processing, analysis methods, statistical modeling, and data visualizations. These projects aim to improve the understanding of complex datasets of soil and groundwater sample results from the Hanford Site. As part of this program, interns will have opportunities to turn data insights into actionable recommendations for environmental remediation.
- Process soil, groundwater, and geophysical data to identify trends and insights.
- Analyze environmental datasets using statistical tools and machine learning methods.
- Manage and organize large datasets to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
- Collaborate with environmental experts, engineers, and data scientists to understand specific project goals.
Due to sponsor funding requirements outlined in the MSIPP-EM SOW, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
This internship will be in-person and located in Richland, WA.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- 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 3.00
Preferred Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate at an accredited Minority Serving Institution (MSIPP).
- Working towards a science, technology, or mathematics (STEM) degree.
- Proficiency in math/data analytics and data science (e.g., statistics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning).
- Coding experience with languages such as JavaScript, Python, and/or R.
- Ability to work collaboratively in team settings, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interest in environmental management and associated challenges.
- Familiarity with frameworks/tools like React, Svelte, or Three.js.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Testing Designated PositionThis 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 (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.
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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.
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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 $16.25/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $26.00/Hr.
