R&D Undergraduate Summer Intern - Ceramics and Materials Physics

R&D Undergraduate Summer Intern - Ceramics and Materials Physics

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a motivated R&D Undergraduate Summer Intern to join their multidisciplinary materials research laboratory. This hands-on opportunity focuses on the intersection of chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science, contributing to national security, energy, and climate initiatives.

What Your Job Will Be Like

As an R&D Undergraduate Summer Intern, you will engage in hands-on training within a materials chemistry laboratory. Your daily tasks may include:

• Performing experimental laboratory research tasks, adhering to established safety and environmental protection practices.
• Conducting daily experiments using various chemicals and electrical test equipment.
• Executing materials preparation, including sample substrates, buffers, reaction solutions, and wet chemical synthesis.
• Performing experiments to test and characterize diverse materials using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.
• Transporting chemicals and experimental samples safely between laboratories.
• Maintaining lab cleanliness, ensuring proper glassware storage, and correct disposal of chemical waste.
• Conducting research under the direct supervision of a principal investigator.
• Discussing and establishing experimental tasks with your supervisor.
• Performing thorough data analysis of experimental results.
• Reporting and discussing research findings with the team.

Due to the nature of this work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require

You are invited to apply if you meet these minimum requirements:

• Currently attending and enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate program during the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring).
• Actively pursuing a major in science, engineering, or mathematics.
• Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer period.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, asylee, or refugee in the U.S.

Note: If you have not earned a high school diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.

Qualifications We Desire

Ideal candidates will also possess:

• Pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics.
• Prior experience and working knowledge of basic laboratory skills and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to follow processes and directions accurately.
• Strong ability to collaborate successfully within a team environment.
• Evidence of self-motivation and independence in academic or project work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About Our Team

The Ceramics & Materials Physics Department at Sandia provides innovative solutions in the design, synthesis, and development of advanced, multifunctional materials. These materials address unique needs in electronic, electrochemical, thermochemical, optical, catalytic, and structural applications. The team controls chemical and structural characteristics from nanoscale to macroscale in organic, inorganic, and hybrid systems. They explore new material constructs and strategies to enhance performance, conducting R&D for national security, energy & climate, and nuclear deterrence in partnership with government, industry, and academia. Key research thrusts include passive and active materials for various systems, materials for extreme environments, and materials for renewable energy processes.

About Sandia National Laboratories

Sandia National Laboratories stands as the nation’s premier science and engineering lab dedicated to national security and technological innovation. Specialists at Sandia focus on cutting-edge work across a broad spectrum of areas. Employees value challenging work with significant global impact, exceptional colleagues, world-class tools and facilities, and ample career advancement opportunities. Sandia offers flexible work arrangements, generous benefits including vacation, medical, 401k, and learning opportunities, along with relocation assistance and amenities for work/life balance.

Key skills/competency

• Materials Research
• Electrochemistry
• Ceramics
• Materials Science
• Chemical Synthesis
• Spectroscopy
• Laboratory Skills
• Data Analysis
• Experimental Design
• Scientific Communication