Graduate Internship, Physical Sciences

About the Role

The Physical Sciences Graduate Student (GRA) Program offers paid summer and year-round internships for graduate students in a variety of Physical Science disciplines at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan.

Examples of LANL projects in Physical Science include:

• Modeling and laboratory experiments related to the long-term storage of high-level nuclear waste in a salt repository.
• Low-Density plasma modeling utilizing Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron energy distributions.
• Application of fluid dynamics modeling techniques to develop and refine simulations for physical systems such as stars, planets, Earth's climate, as well as engineered systems.
• Ultrafast optical experiments involving quantum materials.
• Using uncertainty quantification methods to improve full-scale models of new carbon capture technologies.
• Modeling neutron scattering and yield within systems involving extreme temperature and pressure conditions.
• Theoretical studies and modeling of actinide chemistry under a variety of physical conditions.
• Using neutrinos and neutrons to probe the fundamental laws that govern the evolution of the universe.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage in hands-on technical experience.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Complement chosen area of study through a formalized work plan.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Minimum Job Requirement

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science discipline.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Entering graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation.

Desired Qualifications

• Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis.
• Experimental techniques currently used within selected scientific field(s).
• Laboratory experience demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context.
• Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.

Physical science disciplines in greatest demand include: Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Materials, and Physics.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science discipline.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).
• Entering graduate students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Additional Details

Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Application Deadline: February 19, 2027.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with most hiring decisions made by mid-February 2027 for the summer.

Restrictions

Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Islamic Republic of Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents, are prohibited from accessing facilities.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
• A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)