OverviewAt Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), our core capabilities are organized into major departments called Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology Directorates include:
- National Security
- Earth and Biological Sciences
- Physical and Computational Sciences
- Energy and Environment
Additionally, we host the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science user facility located on the PNNL campus.
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate (PCSD) combines strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science with advanced computing, applied mathematics, and data science capabilities. These resources are central to PNNL’s discovery mission. Our greatest asset is our people—experts across diverse scientific disciplines who collaborate to tackle the most significant scientific challenges of our time.
Within PCSD, the Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) conducts basic and applied research in artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our teams apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance energy-efficient computing systems and develop next-generation algorithms to analyze, model, and control complex systems in science, energy, and national security.
Responsibilities
As a PhD Intern – Autonomous Intelligence, you will:
- Conduct theoretical and research-driven investigations into advanced AI and autonomous systems.
- Develop and analyze novel algorithms, architectures, and mathematical models for autonomous intelligence.
- Explore foundational concepts in graph representation learning, graph neural networks, and knowledge graph construction.
- Advance research in scientific machine learning, semantic reasoning, and large-scale AI models.
- Perform conceptual modeling, simulation studies, and algorithmic proofs to validate theoretical approaches.
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations for scientific audiences.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate theoretical insights into broader research initiatives.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Data Science (Generative AI focus), or a related technical field.
- Experience with robotic manipulation and control, including grasp synthesis, inverse kinematics, calibration, and contact-rich control methods.
- Familiarity with low-level robot interfaces for torque, velocity, and position control.
- Practical knowledge of robot learning techniques such as imitation learning, reinforcement learning, model predictive control, diffusion policies, or fine-tuning vision-language-action models.
- Understanding of trajectory optimization and motion planning frameworks for navigation and manipulation (e.g., Nav2, OMPL, MoveIt 2).
- Experience with computer vision and 3D perception, including object pose estimation and point-cloud processing.
- Proficiency in ROS 2 and integration with simulation environments such as Isaac Sim, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or PyBullet.
- Ability to build autonomous workflows using frameworks like LangGraph or LangChain.
- Strong skills in system integration and architecture for real-time applications.
- Solid Python programming and Git-based collaboration skills.
- Bonus: Experience with tactile sensing, mobile manipulation, or exposure to scientific experimentation and lab automation.
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.
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.
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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 $24.04/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $36.06/Hr.
