Gamma Computed Tomography Intern

About the Role

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking an intern to support the development and evaluation of gamma-ray computed tomography (CT) methods for nuclear fuel examination. This project will provide hands-on experience in Monte Carlo radiation transport, gamma-ray imaging, computed tomography, image reconstruction, and quantitative image-quality analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations representative of INL's Gamma CT instruments.
• Generate simulated projection data (sinograms) for selected source distributions and instrument geometries.
• Implement and evaluate variance-reduction methods, including importance sampling, to improve computational efficiency.
• Apply image-reconstruction algorithms using simulated projection data.
• Evaluate image quality using quantitative metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).
• Investigate how acquisition parameters, including the number of angular projections, detector dwell time, and filtering methods, affect reconstruction quality.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Experience with MCNP, SCALE, or ADVANTG (preferred).

Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time in a PhD program at an ABET-accredited college/university studying Nuclear Engineering.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
• Must have previously completed a BEA internship within the MFC Reactors and Chief Technologist Group.
• Current Resume or CV.
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs).
• Current class schedule and number of credits.

Internships are onsite at the Materials and Fuels Complex campus.

Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability.

You may be eligible for course credit.

This team works a 4x10 schedule.

Compensation

• PhD Internships ($36.83/hour - $41.29/hour)

About Us

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense.

Benefits and Relocation

• Paid holiday time off.
• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns.