OverviewPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is hosting two Pathway Summer Schools (PSS) for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, sponsored by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS). The WDTS Pathway Summer Schools create innovative pathways for students with the goal of attracting young students from all backgrounds toward building a STEM talent pool. DOE WDTS PSS at PNNL programs focus on building science identity, enhancing STEM efficacy, and stimulating interest in learning and careers of importance to DOE mission.
The PNNL Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development (OSEWD) is seeking high school students interested in STEM studies or careers to participate in a 6-week, hands-on learning experience at our Richland campus this summer. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
The internship runs from June 23, 2026 through July 29, 2026, and applicants must be available to start on June 23 and work 29 hours per week.
ResponsibilitiesLed by OSEWD and guided by a summer school team of mentors, including experienced researchers trained in STEM education, summer school students will
- Prepare for WDTS internships and STEM studies.
- Develop an understanding of PNNL’s critical minerals and materials and artificial intelligence research portfolios in the WDTS PSS Critical Minerals and Materials Program.
- Develop an understanding of PNNL’s energy, the power grid, and artificial intelligence research portfolios in the WDTS PSS Energy and the Grid Program.
- Develop a professional portfolio.
****HOW TO APPLY****
To have a complete application package, the below must be uploaded correctly for consideration:
- Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the resume uploaded will be the resume used for all positions an applicant applies towards)
- If a resume is not uploaded, 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:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by program start date of June 23rd, 2026.
- Applicants must be able to work 29 hours a week.
- Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
• Be a current high school senior at a public or private high school graduating in Spring 2026, or
• Be a recent high school graduate (within the past two years) who has not enrolled full-time in a college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrates interest in STEM Studies.
- Demonstrates interest in energy and power grid research.
- Demonstrates interest in critical minerals and materials research.
- Demonstrates an interest in the role of AI in scientific research.
- Relevant coursework desired: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science.
- Demonstrates interest in DOE WDTS internships.
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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Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
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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 $17.13/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $23.08/Hr.
