Science Undergraduate Laboratory Intern (SULI)

July 28, 2025
$30 / hour

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Job Description

About the Company: PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution located in eastern Washington State. Its core capabilities are divided among major departments, known as Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership and dedicated budget. PNNL is powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage.

PNNL works with renowned researchers to deliver meaningful science, innovations, and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other sponsors. The laboratory offers an exciting research environment with excellent benefits, including health insurance and flexible work schedules. Its location in eastern Washington is known for stellar outdoor recreation and an affordable cost of living, being easily accessible (45-minute flight or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland via the convenient PSC airport.

PNNL is deeply committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, striving to solve critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. It is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, considering all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. They are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

As a drug-free workplace, PNNL complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. New employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential, which involves a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year, explicitly stating that marijuana and cannabis derivatives are considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Foreign National Candidates not residing in the U.S. for three consecutive years may initially require a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination. Additionally, the DOE prohibits employees and contractors from having affiliations with the foreign government of a “country of risk” without explicit approval.

About the Job: SULI Program Intern

This job description pertains to the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program at PNNL. The SULI program aims to encourage undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue STEM careers by providing hands-on research experiences at Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories.

Job Overview:
Selected students will participate as interns appointed at one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities, including PNNL. Under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, interns will perform research on projects that support the vital mission of the DOE.

Minimum Qualifications:
To be eligible for the SULI program at PNNL, applicants must meet the following strict requirements:
• A current application must be submitted on the Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientist (WDTS) site.
• Applicants must meet all additional eligibility criteria established and verified by DOE-WDTS, which are detailed on their official website (https://science.osti.gov/wdts/suli/Eligibility).
• Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident at the time of application.

Testing Designated Position (TDP):
This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Compensation and Benefits (Rockstar Rewards):
PNNL lists the full pay range for this position. The starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the range, with the actual placement determined by an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience.
Minimum Salary: USD $16.66/Hr.
Maximum Salary: USD $30.00/Hr.

PNNL does not ask for or consider current or past salaries when making compensation offers. Instead, offers are based on the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and the individual’s qualifications and skills relevant to the role.

Benefits for Interns:
Temporary Hourly Employees (which SULI interns typically are) are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. (Regular Hourly Employees, if applicable, also receive a company-funded pension plan and 401k savings plan once eligibility requirements are met).