Undergraduate Technical Intern - EMSL
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-12020 · Pay: $17-$27/hr
Duties
Overview 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. The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) is a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads critical research in four areas: Atmospheric, Climate & Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Molecular Sciences, and Global Change. Our vision is to develop a predictive understanding of biological and Earth systems in transition. We aim to understand energy and material flows within the integrated Earth system; to understand, predict, and control the response of biosystems to environmental and/or genomic changes; and to Model the Earth system from the subsurface to the atmosphere. The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division is comprised of 18 interdisciplinary research teams focused on deciphering molecular-level interactions driving biological and environmental processes across temporal and spatial scales. Through computational analysis and modeling, these findings contribute to predictive understanding of how systems respond to environmental perturbations thus enabling solutions to the nation’s energy, environmental, and human health challenges. The division also manages the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus that accelerates the research of scientists around the world by providing access to world-class expertise, instrumentation, and computational resources. Responsibilities The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division seeks an energetic undergraduate-level part-time intern to fill a cutting-edge undergraduate research assistant position that supports current field campaigns sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). The successful candidate will be mentored by several EMSL scientists to work in the EMSL User Facility and engage in research on a DOE project in coordination with the EMSL User Facility and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) partners. The applicant will be expected to support field campaigns by organizing supplies, maintaining instruments for particle sample collection, preparing the sampling device (e.g., impactors and filters), cataloging the field samples, and quality checking the field samples using electron and optical microscopy. This position will provide an opportunity to work with multiple teams of scientists and build professional networks inside and outside of PNNL. The position will provide the opportunity to use many advanced tools available within EMSL to elucidate atmospheric aerosol particles. Applicants with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science are desired. Prior experience in operating research-grade instruments and data analysis is preferred. The candidate should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed manuscript preparation and publication. EMSL is a national scientific user facility and research division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). EMSL is supported and stewarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). The EMSL User facility is designed to provide innovative and breakthrough experimental and computational science that addresses the BER mission goals by providing access to more than 75 state-of-the-art instrumental and computational capabilities. EMSL Users address some of the most important molecular-to-mesoscale challenges relevant to DOE missions. Please note this is a year-round position and onsite in Richland, Washington. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50. Preferred Qualifications: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or a related field; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred. Hands-on experience in a chemistry lab, including familiarity with basic lab tools and techniques. Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new analytical instruments and methods. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research tasks independently, with initiative in supporting project deliverables such as manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical staff. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with Electron Microscopy techniques is a plus. Experience with relevant software tools (please specify, e.g., ImageJ, OriginLab, etc.) is a plus. Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python is a plus. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Regular Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met. Temporary Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50. Preferred Qualifications: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or a related field; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred. Hands-on experience in a chemistry lab, including familiarity with basic lab tools and techniques. Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new analytical instruments and methods. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research tasks independently, with initiative in supporting project deliverables such as manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical staff. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with Electron Microscopy techniques is a plus. Experience with relevant software tools (please specify, e.g., ImageJ, OriginLab, etc.) is a plus. Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python is a plus.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $17.13/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $27.02/Hr.