Environmental Biogeochemistry Internship

Environmental Biogeochemistry Internship

Within the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, several projects are working to advance our predictive understanding of the critical environmental processes that determine the mobilization, transformation, and transport of water and critical substances (e.g. nutrients, trace elements, and contaminants) in groundwater and surface water systems, and how these processes are altered by disturbance. This understanding is crucial to ensure and predict the availability of clean and abundant water for energy and societal needs, understand the long-term risks posed by legacy contamination, and anticipate how extreme events impact the security of the nation’s energy systems. The participant will engage in field- and laboratory-based research activities, data analysis and interpretation, and integrating results with complementary modeling efforts. They will interact with a multi-disciplinary team of empiricists, modelers, and technical professionals to gain perspective on how large-scale team science is conducted, the breadth of research conducted at ORNL and DOE, prospective career paths, and future opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Familiarity with basic principles of geochemistry and hydrology. - Introductory experience working in field and/or laboratory settings or analyzing and interpreting field and laboratory results.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Research experience in field and laboratory settings, including water sample collection, use of in-stream sensors, and/or analytical instrumentation use. - Data analysis and interpretation experience, including statistical analyses, use of machine learning and AI tools, and/or use of R or similar coding languages. - BS degree in geoscience, environmental sciences, aquatic ecology, or a related field. - Graduate coursework in hydrology/hydrogeology, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, or related topics.