Intern, R&D Graduate Year-Round

About the Role

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a motivated graduate student to join its multidisciplinary research team as an Intern in R&D (Geomechanics and Geochemistry). This year-round, onsite role supports critical-mineral recovery and geologic hydrogen projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Search, review, and summarize scientific literature.
• Design, set up, and perform laboratory experiments after appropriate training.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Discuss findings with the project team and contribute to technical decision-making.
• Draft and revise reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Onsite work is required.
• Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year.
• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
• U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Earned bachelor's degree.
• Currently attending and enrolled full-time in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Qualifications We Desire

• Enrolled in a master's or PhD program in chemical engineering, geology, geochemistry, or a related geoscience field.
• Hands-on experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and quality standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work at least 20 hours per week onsite.
• Proven ability to plan and execute technical tasks independently.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Background in analytical-chemistry method development and optimization.
• Proficiency with analytical instruments such as XRD, SEM, XRF, and optical microscopy.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.
• Track record of presenting research at national or international conferences.

Sandia National Laboratories' Geomechanics Department focuses on rock mass characterization, mechanics, numerical simulations, and validation of material models, supported by laboratory work and in situ observations.