Technical Services Laboratory - Chemistry Internship

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Technical Services Laboratory is seeking an intern for the summer of 2027, from May 17 through Aug. 13, 2027. The chosen candidate will receive hands-on experience in an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. Customers for the laboratory include TDA's Ag Inputs, Plant Certification, Food & Dairy and Pesticide regulatory programs, offering a broad opportunity to learn about regulatory sample analysis.

Location:

Ellington Agricultural Center

Porter Building

436 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220

Major Duties

Sample Receipt and Preparation

• Evaluate the condition of samples upon arrival and assist with the accessioning process using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Assist with sample preparation, including operating grinding mills, microwave digestion systems, automated extractors or similar equipment as trained.

Instrument Analysis

• Receive hands-on training on one or more modern analytical instruments and demonstrate proficiency under direct supervision before independent use.
• Support instrumental techniques that may include combustion, LC-MS/MS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and, for highly experienced candidates, high-resolution GC and LC mass spectrometers.

Quality Assurance

• Adhere to all elements of the laboratory quality system and assist with assembly of analytical data packages.
• Learn to perform and document equipment maintenance, calibration and verification activities as assigned.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Education Requirements

• Applicants must possess a high school diploma and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or advanced degree program in the physical or life sciences.
• Applicants must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Essential Knowledge and Required Skills

• Knowledge of chemistry and physics
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Mathematical reasoning
• Laboratory safety, etiquette and ethics
• Quick technical learner
• Drive for results

Comments

• This is a paid internship.
• This internship is part of the TDA's central internship program. Interns may participate in program activities and must complete an improvement project within their assigned division, followed by a presentation to Executive Leadership at the end of the internship term.
• For more information on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, please visit the TDA website.

Working Conditions

• This assignment will primarily be in an analytical laboratory and will require adherence to institutional chemical hygiene and biosafety practices. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn as instructed. Some travel and infrequent remote work may be possible.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted from Friday, Oct. 8 through Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Formstack application available on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's careers page. To be considered for this internship opportunity, you must have the following documents prepared:

• Resume
• Letter of intent
• Most recent transcript
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• DD214 (veteran candidates only)

Questions about this application or any internship opportunity may be directed to Jamye Freeman at Jamye.Freeman@tn.gov.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2026.