OverviewPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is offering physics research internships for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, sponsored by the Office of High Energy Physics (HEP). Our PNNL Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development (OSEWD) is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in exploring opportunities in HEP and learning more about the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance and accelerate physics research. Undergraduate physics majors from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) are encouraged to apply for this 11-week internship that includes a one week HEP and AI bootcamp and then the opportunity to apply that learning to an internship project under a dedicated mentor.
This 11-week internship will run from May 26th, 2026, through August 7, 2026. This internship will begin May 26, 2026 virtually, with in-person full-time participation beginning June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Applicants must be available to start on May 26th and work up to 40 hours per week on-site in Richland, WA starting June 8th.
Due to sponsor funding requirements, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled in the Physics program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
Responsibilities• Participate in a one‑week High Energy Physics (HEP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) bootcamp led by PNNL’s Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development, HEP researchers, computer/data scientists, CSUSB faculty, and project mentors.
• Develop a foundational, working understanding of high energy physics concepts and the application of AI tools and methods in physics research.
• Apply the knowledge gained from the bootcamp to a hands‑on research project in high energy physics under the guidance of an assigned mentor.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, mentors, and peer interns to advance project goals and contribute to research discussions.
• Communicate project progress through meetings, presentations, or written summaries as required by the research team.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a high school diploma/GED or higher.
- Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in the undergrad Physics program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
- Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
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.
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 $17.13/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $23.08/Hr.
