Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion Graduate Intern Summer 2027

The Extreme Light Matter and Fusion Directorate (formerly NIF&PS) has multiple openings for graduate level students and students who have received a bachelors or masters degree to engage in practical research experiences to further their educational goals. You will have opportunities to work in a wide array of fields such as lasers laser-plasma physics electro-optics software development and optical x-ray and nuclear instrument development and testing. For more information please visit: may be required.

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 

• Work alongside scientists conducting research at onsite laser and nuclear facilities in the areas of advanced laser development fusion energy technologies laser plasma interactions hydrodynamics materials science radiation physics and various advanced diagnostic systems.
• Conduct research (experimental theoretical or modeling) in assigned areas under close supervision.
• Gather and analyze data or information in support of scientific research.
• Communicate research results: document work present and discuss findings.
• Attend relevant seminars and prepare a poster for the Student Intern Poster Symposium.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and provide advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a college or university student in good academic standing enrolled in an accredited institution and pursuing a Ph.D. or masters degree in engineering physics or a related field.
• Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience with tools related to your field of study. For experimental work this can include data reduction and manipulation image processing computer-aided drafting or similar; for theoretical/computational work this includes numerical methods and scientific programming languages (Python MATLAB etc.).
• A sustained record of outstanding academic performance.
• Ability to work full time for ten to twelve weeks during the summer months.
• Ability to apply basic engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word Excel and PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

• Prior experience in physics or engineering laboratory settings for experimental assignments and in cluster/high-performance computing or plasma physics codes for computational assignments.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Pay Range

$6752 - $8201 Monthly

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

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit  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.  

  National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

  The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 3112 generally prohibits citizens of China Russia Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

  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.

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  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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Intern