Undergraduate Technical Intern MONet

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Richland, WA

  • Internship

About the role

Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

Responsibilities The Environmental Transformations & Interactions Group has a technical intern position available to support sample processing for the Molecular Observation Network (MONet). MONet’s goal is to develop a continental-scale database of standardized molecular and microstructural data to advance the understanding and prediction of microbially and root-driven inputs in soil ecosystems and terrestrial aerosol processes We are seeking a motivated, self-starter interested in expanding their background, while working in a highly dynamic team-based environment. The successful candidate must have excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills to assist the MONet sample processing team by performing various scientific tasks.

The intern will assist with a variety of laboratory tasks, such as washing dishes, processing incoming samples, sieving and weighing materials, keeping track of lab supplies, preparing soil sampling kits, and managing both biological samples and chemical waste. The position requires an individual with strong attention to detail that will be able to function independently with limited supervision and effectively manage conflicting priorities and develop solutions to problems. Maintenance of organization, working conditions, and an accurate laboratory notebook are expected in addition to implementation of Environmental Safety and Health Operations and security requirements, as well as directorate and group policies.

Please note this is a year-round position and onsite in Richland, Washington.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Preferred Qualifications In the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in the field of Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, or Biochemistry. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 preferred. Additional skills of interest include experience in one or more of the following areas: Chemistry, soil science, and/or microbiology.

Candidates must have critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and good communication (oral and written) skills. Be able to demonstrate proficient use of personal computer systems and routine office software. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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. Security, Credentialing, And Eligibility

Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job.

All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For Foreign National Candidates If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment.

Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. 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 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 $17.13/Hr. Maximum

Salary USD $27.02/Hr.

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