Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,?real-world?threats to our nation and the world.
The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.
The Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group leverages partnerships around the world and expertise spanning multiple domains to address complex domestic and international security challenges. STA equips decision makers with nuanced insights and mitigation strategies in a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by emergent adversaries and technologies. Our experts bring a deep understanding of technical analysis, nonproliferation, risk and resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated approaches, and vulnerabilities within international systems and institutions.
Responsibilities
This internship position is available within the Strategic Threat Analysis group under the National Security Directorate. STA is seeking CONNECT consortium student members with academic and professional interest in one or more of the following policy areas:
National Security
International Relations
Nuclear Nonproliferation
Law and Policy
Classes, degrees, or certification in specialized topics such as arms control, export controls, sanctions, economics, international trade, law, and data analysis are desired. Experience with legal and policy research related to international relations is strongly preferred. Candidates will be asked to contribute to research and programmatic support to STA programs and will have the opportunity to contribute to both domestic and international efforts that promote U.S. Government international security and nonproliferation objectives.
Positions will be located virtually but may involve travel to the PNNL Seattle or Richland campuses.
Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to Laboratory projects. This may include work on discrete pieces of larger projects or simultaneously on multiple projects.
Interns will work on multi-disciplinary teams to contribute significantly to completing organizational projects that advance laboratory mission activities.
Seek out mentoring opportunities. · Utilize technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines; determine significance and reliability of incoming information; integrate new information with current data.
Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty.
Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance the frontiers of science and address some of the most challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment.
Exercise knowledge of theory and general industry standards/practices in nonproliferation and nuclear security-related discipline or subject area.
Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources while utilizing technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines, including national and international law.
Uses analytic techniques to develop creative or unique solutions to a variety of national and international nuclear nonproliferation problems, particularly those involving intersection of existing and emerging technologies, laws, regulations, and policies. · Augment knowledge of national and international legal frameworks with practical applications in national security, nuclear security, international safeguards, or related nonproliferation-related topics, such as nuclear export controls, nuclear and radiological security, advanced reactor technology, and nuclear safety.
Skills & Competencies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including cross-cultural communication.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and on multi-disciplinary teams.
HOW TO APPLY
To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:
Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in "Resume" section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).
Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in "Additional Documents" section of the application titled "CONNECT- Cover Letter".
Cover letter should include Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.
If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.
Due to sponsor funding requirements outlined in the MSIPP-Connect SOW, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled at the St. Mary's School of Law.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates should be matriculated/enrolled in a JD program at St. Mary's Law School, as a participant in the CONNECT consortium.
Experience performing open-source research.
Knowledgeable in at least one nonproliferation domain such as nuclear security, nuclear safeguards, radiological source security, export control compliance, strategic trade controls, and arms control.
Has demonstrated educational or professional experience applying quantitative and qualitative research and analysis techniques to inform policy.
Familiarity with federal organizations such as the Departments of Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), State (DOS), and Defense (DOD); the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Has completed coursework in policy, law, nonproliferation, and national security topics.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Position may require domestic travel.
Additional Information
This position is subject to the requirements of a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). To be eligible, applicants must meet the definition of a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62, which includes:
A U.S. citizen
A lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
A protected person defined by 8 U.S.C 1324 b(a)(3)
Per the DOE/NNSA Notice of Funding Opportunity for this position, non-U.S. persons are not eligible to support or collaborate in the program.
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Regular Hourly :
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Temporary Hourly :
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position @type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $24.04/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $36.06/Hr.
