High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Undergraduate Student Intern - Summer 2025

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$22.10 - $30.00 Hourly

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

We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. Opportunities include participation in projects lead by the LLNL scientists in the High Energy Density Science research areas, including: Laser-Matter Interactions; Inertial Confinement Fusion; Inertial Fusion Energy; Magnetic Confinement Fusion; Hydrodynamics; Kinetic Theory; Molecular Dynamics; Opacity; Equation of State; Charged Particle Transport; Nuclear Physics; Optical and X-Ray Imaging; Astrophysics and Planetary Science; Atomic Physics; and Accelerator Science. More information about these fields can be found here. These positions are with the LLNL High Energy Density Science (HEDS) center in the Physics Division.

Please submit both a curriculum vitae and a cover letter. The cover letter should include a list of LLNL staff members you have spoken to (if any), your preference for experiment, theory, or simulation, a ranked list of, at most, three of the above research areas, why you wish to work at LLNL, how LLNL can help your career, and how you would like to contribute to HEDS research at LLNL.

The HEDS center at LLNL is a focal point for connecting experts around the world with the extensive experimental and computational capabilities at LLNL.  The center's mission is to strengthen fundamental research collaborations in the field of HEDS between LLNL and the academic community, and to enhance educational opportunities in HED science for students.  Details about LLNL's High Energy Density Science Center may be found at: https://heds-center.llnl.gov.

Summer positions are generally May-September with the possibility of extension. To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 3, 2025.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

You will

• Learn how scientists perform research in experiment, theory, or modeling simulation.
• Under close supervision will learn how to conduct research in the assigned area.
• Gather and analyze data or information relevant to assigned areas as directed by supervisor and/or mentor to advance your education.
• Present work through presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be a continuing student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing an undergraduate degree in Physics or related field.
• Ability to apply basic physic principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• GPA of 3.0 or above.

#LI-Hybrid

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.