Internship Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking graduate students pursuing advanced STEM degrees (master's or Ph.D.) to join our Science & Technology Internship Talent Pipeline. Graduate interns will contribute to high-level, mission-driven research that advances INL's strategic initiatives in nuclear energy, national security, and critical infrastructure innovation.

Interns will work alongside leading scientists, engineers, and technical experts on complex, multidisciplinary projects in areas such as advanced reactor development, cybersecurity, materials science, and environmental modeling. Graduate interns are expected to apply specialized knowledge, conduct independent analysis, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing research.

By completing this single application, you will be considered for Graduate Internships for Science & Technology projects. Answer the application questions to help us match your knowledge and experience with project qualifications. Applicants may be considered for multiple projects, and mentors will contact those who meet the qualifications. Internships offer flexible start and end dates to accommodate university schedules. Early applications are encouraged to increase your opportunities.

INL recruiters will use this information to align students with relevant opportunities for the 2025/2026 intern season. If selected, a hiring team member will contact you to discuss next steps.

To explore examples of past student research, visit the INL Internship Poster Session Archive.

To learn more about INL's mission areas, visit our INL Fact Sheets, which provide overviews of INL's work in advanced reactors, cybersecurity, grid resilience, critical infrastructure integration, and more.

Based on representations within your resume about education and experience, our team will refer your application to potential project positions relevant to your listed qualifications. By merely referring your application for any position, BEA does not affirm your qualifications or any likelihood of success in being selected for a position. Once referred, your application will be treated consistent with our normal hiring process.

Common Majors: 

Engineering Disciplines:

• Nuclear, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, Safety, Fire Protection, Quality, Power Systems, Project/Construction, Facility, and Environmental Engineering

Computer & Data Sciences:

• Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Physical & Life Sciences:

• Physics, Chemistry (including Analytical), Biology, Ecology, Earth & Life Sciences, Geology, Environmental Science

Social & Applied Sciences:

• Anthropology, Health Physics, Emergency Management, Project Management, Construction Management, Drafting Design, Fabrication and Welding

Other related STEM majors will be considered based on project needs

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent or team-based research with INL mentors.
• Analyze data, develop models, and contribute to technical publications.
• Present findings in written and oral formats.
• Participate in professional development and networking events.
• Other duties, projects, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Introductory knowledge of subject matter related to the assigned internship project.
• Introductory knowledge of systems and processes related to the assigned internship project.
• Ability to work with support to meet various time deadlines and work pressures.
• Ability to produce or compose formal documents, reports, and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with management, fellow employees, and external customers

Required:

• Enrolled full-time in a graduate program at an accredited college/university.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT).
• Available for a 10-16 week, up to 40 hours per week, on-site internship.

Application Requirements:

• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Benefits:

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

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

Clearance Note

While INL accepts candidates authorized to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT), some internship projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" or "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Additional Information

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. With more than 6,200 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and develop technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL hosts nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas.

Selective Service Requirements 
To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information, visit www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Physical Requirements 
The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require sitting for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, conduct research and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable Accommodation 
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Third-Party Submissions 
INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.

Questions? 
Email: UniversityRecruiting@inl.gov

Benefits and Relocation

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

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

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. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.