Materials Science Division Graduate Intern - Summer 2026

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for graduate students and for students who have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. You will conduct research in the following scientific fields: organic/inorganic synthesis, analytical, computational, materials characterization, actinide materials, optical materials science; electrochemistry; materials chemistry and physics; computational chemistry and materials science; nanoscale materials synthesis and characterization and metallurgy. These positions are in Materials Science Division in the Materials and Chemistry Institute.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

You will

• Work with scientists on projects involving hands-on work in a laboratory, computation, or data analysis.
• Conduct research in assigned area, under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and providing advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• Present work through presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree or a recent graduate with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, materials sciences, computational chemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in chemistry, materials sciences, computational chemistry, or related field.
• Experience applying basic scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Broad knowledge of chemistry and materials.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Pay Range

$6,752 - $8,201 Monthly

This position is under a step structure.  Please note that the step placement is determined by your most recent completed academic year. 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use