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Summer Lab Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technical Intern 3

Manassas, VA · On-site

$49K - $68K/yr

... rewarding summer internship in Manassas, Virginia! As a member of our team, you'll have the ... Experience in Materials/Failure Analysis lab environment * Solid understanding of the basics of ...

Summer Lab Intern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a summer lab intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Summer Lab Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects that support ongoing research within the lab. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting experiments under supervision, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with equipment maintenance. Collaboration is key, as you’ll often work closely with graduate students, technicians, and principal investigators who will guide your learning and help you develop essential lab skills. Interns are usually encouraged to ask questions, contribute to team meetings, and may have opportunities to present their findings. This role offers a great foundation for understanding real-world research environments and can open doors for future academic or professional pursuits in science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer lab intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Lab Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge in science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and software tools like Excel or data analysis platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and eagerness to learn are key soft skills that help interns stand out. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate experimentation, effective teamwork, and meaningful contributions to ongoing research projects.

What is a summer lab intern?

Summer Lab Interns are typically students or recent graduates who work temporarily in a laboratory setting during the summer months. They assist with scientific research, experiments, and data collection under the guidance of experienced lab staff. These internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory techniques, often helping interns decide on future career paths in science. Responsibilities can vary depending on the lab, but usually include maintaining equipment, recording observations, and supporting ongoing research projects.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Intern vs Summer Research Assistant?

AspectSummer Lab InternSummer Research Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically undergraduate student, some labs prefer coursework in relevant science fieldsUsually undergraduate or graduate students with some research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, often more independent, supporting senior researchers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, government agencies

The Summer Lab Intern role generally targets undergraduate students gaining initial research experience, focusing on assisting with lab tasks. The Summer Research Assistant position often involves more independent work and is suitable for students with some prior research background. Both roles are valuable for building research skills but differ in responsibilities and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Summer Lab Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Summer Lab Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Network & Cloud Engineering Intern

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Network & Cloud Engineering Intern
  • 10004344
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Part-Time / Hourly Wage
  • Opening on: Aug 4 2026
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Department: Academic Affairs

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: iHub, Colorado Springs, CO

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) supports George Mason University's work with the Air Force research and innovation enterprise. The PIA connects mission partners with Mason faculty, students, laboratories, industry, startups, and investors and provides operational support for collaboration, experimentation, technology transition, workforce development, and mission-focused engagement.

About the Position:

The Network & Cloud Engineering Intern supports the deployment, documentation, testing, and routine operation of network and AWS cloud services used by PIA facilities and projects. Working under the direction of the Network & Cloud Engineer or another designated technical lead, the intern gains applied experience with enterprise networking, cloud administration, cybersecurity, monitoring, documentation, and technical customer support. The intern will not independently administer privileged production systems, approve security changes, or access classified information.

This position is Part-Time and will require 10-20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 29 hours per week during academic breaks or summer, subject to university student-employment rules and available funding. Some evening event support or travel between local sites may be required with advance notice.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with installation, configuration, testing, inventory, and documentation of network equipment, wireless services, cabling, end-user connectivity, and approved lab or event technology;
  • Support routine AWS administration and lab tasks, such as resource inventory, approved account setup, logging checks, backup verification, tagging, cost tracking, and deployment in sandbox or development environments;
  • Monitor dashboards and service alerts; perform first-level troubleshooting; collect diagnostic information; document incidents; and escalate outages, security concerns, or configuration issues to authorized staff;
  • Create and update network diagrams, asset inventories, configuration records, knowledge articles, checklists, runbooks, and standard operating procedures; and
  • Provide courteous technical support to PIA staff, students, faculty, visitors, and events; participate in team meetings, training, security briefings, and project reviews.

Required Qualifications:

  • Foundational understanding of computer networks, TCP/IP, operating systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity principles;
  • Interest in AWS, enterprise networking, infrastructure automation, cybersecurity, or systems administration;
  • Ability to follow written procedures, protect sensitive information, document work accurately, and ask for assistance when a task exceeds assigned authority;
  • Basic troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and customer-service skills;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with technical staff, university personnel, government partners, and other interns;
  • Reliability, attention to detail, initiative, and willingness to learn unfamiliar tools and technologies;
  • Completion of foundational coursework or equivalent practical experience in networking, systems administration, cloud computing, or cybersecurity;
  • Basic experience with Windows or Linux, command-line tools, productivity software, and technical documentation;
  • Ability to work regularly on site and to maintain an agreed-upon work schedule during the academic term or summer period; and
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the supported federal and defense activities. Employment is contingent upon completion of applicable background screening. The intern must complete required cybersecurity, acceptable-use, export-control, and data-handling training and comply with all university and sponsor access restrictions. Access to production systems is role-based, supervised, and limited to assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Coursework, labs, projects, or certifications involving AWS, Azure, Cisco networking, Linux, Python, PowerShell, Terraform, or cybersecurity;
  • CompTIA Network+, Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Cisco CCST/CCNA, or progress toward a comparable credential;
  • Experience with a help desk, student technology team, research lab, makerspace, internship, military service, or technical student organization; and
  • Demonstrated interest in federal technology, defense innovation, research infrastructure, or public service.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Network & Cloud Engineering Intern at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: August 4, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 18, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes


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