NSIP Masters Intern - Nuclear, Chemical, & Biological Technology

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.  

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. 

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base. We are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Responsibilities

Ready to take on real-world national security challenges before you graduate?

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is looking for motivated graduate students to join the National Security Internship Program (NSIP)—a paid opportunity where you’ll work on meaningful science that strengthens our nation.
If you’re excited by the idea of:

• Tackling big, complex problems in national security, energy, and science
• Applying cutting-edge research to protect the nation
• Exploring chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives-related measurement and analysis

…then this internship is designed for you.
 

Interns selected for this opportunity will join the Nuclear, Chemistry & Biological Technologies Division, working side-by-side with world-class scientists and engineers on research that truly matters.

Program Details:

• Start dates: Cohort onboarding in May or June 2026
• Who should apply: Students interested in hands-on research, national security missions, and advanced measurement science
• What you’ll gain: Mentorship, real project experience, career growth, and exposure to high-impact national lab work

Your internship will land you in one of eight focus areas: 

1. Radio and Analytical Chemistry: Establishing nexus for chemistry and radiological materials to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass effect.
2. Nuclear Engineering and Materials Analysis: Investing in the expansion and enhancement of our capabilities in nuclear and material technology.
3. Nuclear Signatures and Nonproliferation: Delivering the science, technology, and leadership in physics, chemistry, biology, and the engineering of detection systems.
4. Pathogen Biology and Biochemistry: Advancing chemical and biological signatures science by using novel chemical approaches to address problems of biological origin.
5. Applied Radiation Detection and Imaging: Leading the development and deployment of radiation-interdiction and safeguards systems, technologies, and strategies worldwide.
6. Threat Detection and Interdiction Testing and Evaluation: Leading the evaluation of complex detection systems for national and international security.
7. CBRNE Forensics: Providing critical research, technology, and operations expertise for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives worldwide.
8. STEM Leadership Development: Committing to train, support, and inspire a diverse cadre of scientists, engineers, and other future leaders in national security.

If you want an internship where your work has purpose, where you’re challenged and supported, and where your contributions make an impact, apply to NSIP and help shape the future of national security science.
 

****HOW TO APPLY**** 

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration: 

Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to). 
Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “NCBT - Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”. 

Cover letter should include: Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career. 

If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university. 
• Minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Disciplines of interest: acoustics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, chemical engineering, computational chemistry, computer science, criminal justice, criminal network detection, electrical engineering, electromagnetics, forensic analysis, geospatial analysis, illicit trafficking, intelligence & security studies, inorganic chemistry, law enforcement, material science, mathematical and statistical methods & modeling, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, microbiology, molecular biology, nuclear engineering, nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear physics, nuclear science, nuclear security and risk analysis, optical engineering, optics, particle physics, physical chemistry, physics, radiochemistry, radiography, security studies, software engineering, technology assessment, data analytics, and terrorism.