National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Graduate Intern - Summer 2026
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 experiences to further their educational goals. You will have opportunities to work in a wide 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 conducting research at onsite laser and nuclear facilities in the areas of advanced laser development, laser plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, materials science, radiation physics and various advanced diagnostic systems.
- Conduct research (experimental, theoretical, or modeling) in assigned areas, 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 a college or university student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited institution, and pursuing a Ph.D. or master's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience with tools related 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.
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 and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
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