National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Graduate Student Intern - Summer 2025

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and diverse perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$6,620 - $8,040 Monthly

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

Job Description

The National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate has multiple openings for graduate level students and students who have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. You will provide research opportunities in a large array of fields such as lasers, laser-plasma physics, electro-optics, software development, and optical, x-ray and nuclear instrument development and testing. For more information, please visit https://lasers.llnl.gov/education/summer-scholar. References may be required.

You will 

• Work alongside scientists doing work and research at onsite laser and nuclear facilities in the areas of advanced laser development, laser plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, material science, radiation physics and various advanced diagnostic systems.
• Conduct research (experimental, theoretical, or modeling) in assigned area, under close supervision.
• Gather and analyze data or information in support of scientific research.
• Communicate research results: document work, present and discuss findings.
• Attend relevant seminars and prepare a poster for the Student Intern Poster Symposium.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and provide advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• 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 has completed their bachelor’s or master’s degree engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience with tools associated to your field of study. For experimental work this can include data reduction and manipulation, image processing, computer-aided drafting, or similar; for theoretical/computational work this includes numerical methods and scientific programming languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• A sustained record of outstanding academic performance.
• Ability to work full time for ten to twelve weeks during the summer months.
• Ability to apply basic engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

• Prior experience in physics or engineering laboratory settings for experimental assignments and in cluster/high performance computing or plasma physics codes for computational assignments.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Additional Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits cit