MSIPP CONNECT Masters Intern - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory : Job Details

**Overview**

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.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking graduate students in a masters degree program with an interest in law and policy who have a passion for solving complex problems in national security, energy, and science. The Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program - National Nuclear Security Administration (MSIPP-NNSA) is a research-based experience for students who are traditionally underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

PNNL's core capabilities are chemical and molecular sciences; chemical engineering; biological systems science; climate change science; environmental subsurface science; applied materials science and engineering; applied nuclear science and technology; advanced computer science, visualization, and data; systems engineering and integration; and large-scale user facilities/advanced instrumentation.

PNNL integrates systems engineering, policy, and operational expertise into versatile and sustainable national security solutions. Our National Security mission strives to reduce the threat and impact of a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries worldwide. We operate at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to bring scalable solutions to the global security mission. The Threat Prevention and Resilience (TPR) and Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) Groups work at the interface of science, technology, policy, and law to bring recommendations and solutions to national security challenges. We examine the issues impacting technology deployment that go beyond a technology's basic functionality, such as laws, regulations, policies, economics, and user requirements. TPR and STA comprise multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed teams delivering innovative solutions to our sponsors' national security challenges. Focus areas include international safeguards, strategic trade controls, arms control, nuclear security, radiological security, chemical and biological weapons security, and counterproliferation.

**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.**

**Responsibilities**

This internship position is available within the TPR group under the National Security Directorate. TPR is seeking CONNECT consortium student members with academic and professional interest in one or more of the following policy areas:

+ National Security

+ International Relations

+ Nuclear Nonproliferation

+ Law and Policy

Classes, degrees, or certification in specialized topics such as arms control, export controls, sanctions, economics, international trade, law, and data analysis are desired. Experience with legal and policy research related to international relations is strongly preferred. Candidates will be asked to contribute to research and programmatic support to TPR programs and will have the opportunity to contribute to both domestic and international efforts that promote U.S. Government international security and nonproliferation objectives.

Positions will be located virtually but may involve travel to the PNNL Seattle or Richland campuses.

+ Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to Laboratory projects. This may include work on discrete pieces of larger projects or simultaneously on multiple projects.

+ Interns will work on multi-disciplinary teams to contribute significantly to completing organizational projects that advance laboratory mission activities.

+ Seek out mentoring opportunities.

+ Utilize technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines; determine significance and reliability of incoming information; integrate new information with current data.

+ Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty.

+ Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance the frontiers of science and address some of the most challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment.

+ Exercise knowledge of theory and general industry standards/practices in nonproliferation and nuclear security-related discipline or subject area.

+ Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources while utilizing technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines, including national and international law.

+ Uses analytic techniques to develop creative or unique solutions to a variety of national and international nuclear nonproliferation problems, particularly those involving intersection of existing and emerging technologies, laws, regulations, and policies.

******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 CONNECT- 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 matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.

+ Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Candidates should be matriculated/enrolled in a master's program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), as a participant in the CONNECT consortium.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including cross-cultural communication.

+ Experience performing open-source research.

+ Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

+ Ability to work independently and on multi-disciplinary teams.

+ Knowledgeable in at least one nonproliferation domain such as nuclear security, nuclear safeguards, radiological source security, export control compliance, strategic trade controls, and arms control.

+ Has demonstrated educational or professional experience applying quantitative and qualitative research and analysis techniques to inform policy.

+ Familiarity with federal organizations such as the Departments of Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), State (DOS), and Defense (DOD); the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

+ Has completed coursework in policy, law, nonproliferation, and national security topics.

**Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment**

+ Position may require domestic travel.

**Additional Information**

This position is subject to the requirements of a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). To be eligible, applicants must meet the definition of a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62, which includes:

+ A U.S. citizen

+ A lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)

+ A protected person defined by 8 U.S.C 1324 b(a)(3)

Per the DOE/NNSA Notice of Funding Opportunity for this position, non-U.S. persons are not eligible to support or collaborate in the program.

**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 [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.

**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.

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**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 $19.90/Hr.

**Maximum Salary**

USD $30.00/Hr.