Undergraduate Intern

Job Description

We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals within Lawrence Livermore National Lab’s (LLNL) Space Science Institute (SSI). Opportunities include participation in projects led by LLNL scientists in research areas including: Astrophysics and cosmology (Optical astronomy and cosmology, X-ray astrophysics, and X-ray laboratory astrophysics), Planetary science (Cosmochemistry, and Planetary defense), Technology and instrument development (Adaptive optics, Gamma-ray spectrometers, SmallSat capabilities for science missions, and X-ray and extreme ultraviolet optics). These positions are in the Space Science Institute summer internship program. Details about LLNL's Space Science Institute may be found at: https://space-science.llnl.gov.

SSI summer internship assignments are 10-12 weeks starting from early June to mid-September.

Please submit both a curriculum vitae and a cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than one page and should include a description of why you wish to work at LLNL and how you would like to contribute to SSI research at LLNL.

To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by January 22, 2027.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Work with scientists conducting research in astronomy, planetary science or a related field. This may include experiments, data analysis and interpretation, theory or modeling simulation, and/or isotopic analysis of planetary materials.
• Conduct research in assigned areas under close direction and supervision.
• Perform scientific assignments at an appropriate level of complexity and work collaboratively on scientific research and development projects.
• Analyze results and provide weekly updates.
• Present work through presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a continuing student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field. If you will be graduating and receive a bachelor’s by the time the internship starts, please apply to the SSI graduate posting.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in astronomy, planetary science or a related field.
• Ability to apply basic engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Familiarity with modern computer-based data analysis approaches, summarizing and presenting results.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Pay Range

$23.26 - $31.62 Hourly

This position is under a step structure.  Please note that the step placement is determined by your most recent completed academic year.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

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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Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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