PhD Intern – DHS WIRED Development Program

Overview

NOTE: Several documents are strictly required to submit with the application to be eligible for this position. Please read the entire job posting for detailed instructions.

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation’s borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Responsibilities

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking ambitious, high-caliber students for assignments within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) WIRED (Workforce opportunities to Increase Research Engagement and Diversity) Program, administered by PNNL. DHS WIRED is a student/early career development program that is a partnership between PNNL and DHS to engage Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to provide research-based experience for students who are traditionally underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majoring in both STEM and non-STEM focused fields.

Are you a graduate student attending a MSI excited about engaging and tackling hard problems in national security, energy, or science, and applying cutting-edge research to making our nation safer and stronger? Does designing, defining, and operationalizing technologies and approaches that respond to complex national security problems sound exciting? Would you like to work with world class scientists, engineers, and program specialists to contribute your ideas in the response to those challenges?

If you answered yes to these things, we want your application for DHS WIRED Development Program. We are looking for smart, creative, and motivated students with a passion for solving complex problems, identifying solution options, and determining how solutions can be made operational, who are interested in careers in national security. Students of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

These positions will be scheduled for 10-12 weeks during the summer of 2025, dates will vary depending on semester versus quarter schools. Positions are placed primarily in Richland, WA but could also be conducted remotely from student location.

HOW TO APPLY

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:

Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).

Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “DHS WIRED 2025 Cover Letter”.

• Cover letter should include: Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred candidates will be pursuing graduate degrees at an MSI in one of the following focus areas:

• Analytics: Disciplines of interest – political science, healthcare sciences, public policy and international relations, criminal justice, and policy analysis.

• Biology/Chemistry: Disciplines of interest – biology, radiochemistry, and actinide chemistry.

• Concept and Application Evaluation: Disciplines of interest – physics, mathematics, and statistics quantitatively evaluation and assessment.

• Cyber/Computer Science: Disciplines of interest – computer science and/or engineering, the principles and applications of cyber security, computer coding, and computer science focusing on secure systems.

• Engineering: Disciplines of interest – chemical, material, electrical, mechanical engineering.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

Due to business needs and client space, US Citizenship is required.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 careers@pnnl.gov .

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.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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 (https://careers.pnnl.gov/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.

Minimum Salary

USD $22.93/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $35.00/Hr.