Pacific Northwest National Laboratory United States
2022-04-15

Undergraduate Intern - Regional Energy Innovators Internship

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Undergraduate Intern - Regional Energy Innovators Internship

  • United States
  • Communications and Community Outreach
  • Temporary Full-Time
  • Yes
  • 3790

Job Description

Overview

With a strong innovation ecosystem and strong commitment to decarbonization, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most exciting places to launch a clean energy career. To support the development of a diverse and innovative clean energy workforce in our region, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)—based in Richland, Washington—is pleased to announce a new pilot program, the Regional Energy Innovators Internship.

The Experience

In this competitive, paid internship, you will explore projects that broaden your understanding of clean energy science, innovation, and policy; build your research capabilities; and expand your professional network. It is a unique experience that will stand out on your resume.

A distinctive feature of this program is the opportunity to look at an energy challenge from different angles—you’ll split your time at PNNL working on projects with mentors from different disciplines. You will also interact with mentors from industry, state government, and non-profits to gain a broader perspective of energy issues and broader professional network in the region. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student eager to explore the how scientific research can accelerate a resilient, equitable, and clean energy transition, and if you are interested in launching a career in the Pacific Northwest, then you are a great fit for this program.

Live the PNNL Gold Experience

Via PNNL’s Gold Experience—an enhanced internship experience that embraces PNNL’s core values of collaboration, courage, integrity, and creativity—you’ll find a fulfilling, well-rounded experience. You’ll stay connected to PNNL, fellow interns, and your mentors via the following activities:

  • Comprehensive onboarding (remote) including new-hire meet and greets
  • Enrichment activities, including virtual games, coffee breaks, and monthly mingles
  • Monthly seminars and discussions with mentors
  • Monthly e-newsletters

Responsibilities

Projects for the 2022-23 Pilot Class

Our inaugural class for the Regional Energy Innovators Internship will tackle significant, real-world issues in clean energy. Interns, guided by dedicated mentors, will engage in the following projects:

Integrating Equity into Energy Research
: Support research and regional engagement related to community-level impacts of decarbonization, especially for rural and tribal communities.
Data Analytics for Renewable Energy: Assess the current and future role of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest in pursuit of regional and national clean energy goals.
Net Zero Emission Transitions: Evaluate opportunities to reduce carbon across multiple buildings or programs to support pathways to net zero emissions.
Resilient Building-Grid Integration: Explore how energy storage coupled with intelligent energy control systems can support decarbonization and grid resilience.
Hydrogen Infrastructure Planning: Explore the technical specifications necessary for safe and reliable hydrogen storage and distribution.
Planning for Grid Resilience in a Changing Climate: Use climate change simulations and grid modeling tools to inform planning for more resilient energy infrastructure.


Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following criteria
  • Candidates must be matriculated / enrolled entering Junior or Senior year by Fall 2022 in a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • For the hydrogen project only, must be able to work on-site

Preferred Qualifications
  • Interest in energy and climate issues and/or career opportunities in the Pacific Northwest
  • Demonstrated interest in multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving and working with diverse teams.
  • Coursework and/or experience in one or more of the following: modeling complex systems, materials science, mechanical or electrical engineering, energy or climate policy, building controls and optimization, advanced data analytics, participatory research, scientific and technical communication, or other areas relevant to specific positions.

Key Dates
  • Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 2, 2022 and continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
  • Internships will begin in early July 2022, or as soon as employment requirements are completed.

Application

To have a complete application package, the three (3) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below. Incomplete applications will not be considered:

Step 1
: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: if applying to multiple positions, the resume uploaded will be the resume used for all positions an applicant applies towards)
Step 2: Combine the two (2) below requested documents into one (1) PDF document and name this file "REI Internship". This combined document must be uploaded into the “Additional Documents” section.
  • Cover letter (maximum of 400 words) indicating which position(s) are of interest, how your interests and experiences align, and how the experience would advance your educational and career goals
  • Current unofficial transcript, cumulative GPA must be listed

Additional Information

Not Applicable


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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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 hr@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.


Mandatory Requirements

Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.