Nuclear Nonproliferation Intern - Fall 2026

Reporting to the Safeguards Measurements and Advanced Reactor Technologies (SMART) group you will support the development of safeguards instrumentation and measurement technologies for nuclear material accounting and verification. Work may include instrumentation circuitry and hardware design, spectroscopy systems, general chemistry support, sample preparation and analysis, and the testing and evaluation of detection or measurement systems used to support domestic and international safeguards objectives, with applications relevant to both existing and advanced reactor designs. The intern will collaborate with researchers and engineers on experimental work, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Nonproliferation division develops the technology, methods, and policy analysis used to safeguard nuclear materials and verify compliance with nonproliferation and arms control treaties. The division's work spans nuclear material accounting, detection and measurement instrumentation, and nuclear forensics, supported by INL's access to special nuclear materials and test facilities. Within this division, the Safeguards Measurements and Advanced Reactor Technologies (SMART) group develops instrumentation and measurement techniques used to account for and verify nuclear materials at current and next-generation reactor and reprocessing facilities.

This team works a 9x80 schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls Campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Hands on experience with experimental research and laboratory-based characterization, measurement, or testing techniques. 
• Currently enrolled full-time in a PhD program at an accredited college/university studying Nuclear Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Current resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits
• You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work environment. 
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program. 

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with nuclear or radiological materials, instrumentation, or characterization techniques. 
• Prior experience working in a national laboratory or similarly regulated research environment. 
• History of research productivity (publications, conference presentations, or patents). 

Compensation: 

• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83 - $39.33)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65 - $41.29)
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education. 

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

The job works in a general office environment with a moderate noise level. May be exposed to discomforts associated with constant monitoring of computer video display screens. Intermittent exposure to stress because of human behavior and various responsibilities. Position may require working >8 hours/day and working alone.