Los Alamos National Laboratory Undergraduate Student Internship Program

Opportunity Description:

The Undergraduate Student Internship Program (UGS) is a year-round internship program that provides domestic and international students with relevant research experience while they are pursuing an undergraduate degree.

This internship program is designed to complement the students' education with work experience related to their chosen field of study. There are appointments in both the technical and professional fields.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

In order to be eligible, applicants must:

• Provide documentation of acceptance into an undergraduate program.
• Enroll in and successfully complete a minimum of 12 undergraduate credit hours per semester (or the equivalent of full time enrollment). Note: Students must provide the program coordinator with current, official transcripts annually to remain eligible. See the Annual Transcript Review section for additional information.
• Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale. Note: Students must provide the program coordinator with current, official transcripts annually to remain eligible. See the Annual Transcript Review section for additional information.
• Pass a new employment drug test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Application Process: 

How to Apply for Internships:

1. To apply for or browse internships, go to iRecruitment at jobs.lanl.gov.
2. Click the Quick Link that applies to you: Post Doc Jobs, Graduate Jobs, or Undergraduate Jobs.
3. Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any internships’ details.
4. To apply for a position, you must have a job account. When applying, make sure to upload:
   • Resume
   • Cover letter. The cover letter should address the timeframe(s) you are available for an internship.
   • Transcripts
5. If you do not find an internship vacancy that aligns with your academic or professional goals, you can apply to the capability-specific vacancies listed below. Note: The capability-specific vacancies require degree applicability.

The capability-specific vacancies listed below are available August 2, 2021 - March 31, 2022:

• Biological Sciences Internship Program, Vacancy Name IRC87954
• Computational Sciences Internship Program, Vacancy Name IRC87956
• Engineering Internship Program, Vacancy Name IRC87958
• Physical Sciences Internship Program, Vacancy Name IRC87960

For step-by-step instructions visit How to Apply and read the Student opportunities section. If you have problems with the online application, visit Application Process Issues for assistance.

Selection Process

Most mentors select students by searching the resume database in iRecruitment. We recommend you explore the Lab's website and locate projects/programs/research that interests you and aligns with your educational goals. You may contact individuals listed on these webpages and inquire about potential student internships and inform them of your interests. You may also review the Student Symposium Abstracts Book (pdf) to identify prospective mentors.

Many students are selected for internships after networking with Lab employees. Some of our mentors will advertise specific opportunities but most search iRecruitment when they are in need of a student.

Hiring Process

1. Student completes paperwork specified by the mentor for the hiring package.
2. Mentor submits a hiring package to Human Resources (HR) for approval.
3. Upon approval, an official offer letter is emailed to the student.
4. Student reviews and accepts the offer, and returns the signed offer letter to HR within two weeks of receiving the letter.
5. Once the signed offer letter is returned, HR will confirm a start date and the student will be scheduled for new hire orientation. Note: Students should not report to their worksite until they have gone through the hiring and orientation process.