Science Undergraduate Laboratory Intern (SULI)

Job Description

About Company

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is described as a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated and diverse workforce. Its core capabilities are organized into major departments called Directorates, each with its own leadership and budget, focusing on specific scientific research areas or functions.

PNNL is committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Its mission is to deliver meaningful science, innovations, and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors.

The laboratory is located in eastern Washington State, known for its outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. It’s approximately a 45-minute flight or 3-hour drive from Seattle or Portland, with convenient access via the PSC airport.

PNNL emphasizes its Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity, fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. They are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, considering 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 legally protected status. They are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in their application and employment processes.

PNNL operates as a Drug-Free Workplace, adhering to federal laws regarding illegal drugs and requiring employees to pass a Federal Tier 1 background check, which includes a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (including marijuana, regardless of state laws).

Benefits (“Rockstar Rewards”) mentioned include:
• For Regular Hourly employees: Employee assistance program, business travel insurance, company-funded pension plan, and 401k savings plan (once eligibility met).
• For Temporary Hourly employees: Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Job Description, Detailed

This job pertains to the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program at PNNL.

Overview of the SULI Program:
The SULI program aims to encourage undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It achieves this by providing valuable research experiences at various Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories.

Role and Responsibilities:
Selected participants are appointed as interns at one of the 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities, including PNNL. In this role, interns will perform research under the direct guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers. The research projects undertaken will specifically support the broader DOE mission.

Qualifications (Minimum):
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet the following strict criteria, which are established and verified by DOE-WDTS:
• Candidates must have a current application submitted on the Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientist (WDTS) website.
• They must satisfy additional SULI eligibility requirements, which are detailed on the science.osti.gov/wdts/suli/Eligibility page.
• Crucially, 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).

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
• All new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.
• Obtaining this credential necessitates successfully completing and passing a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of any illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture, within the last year. This specifically includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are 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 initially eligible for the PIV credential. In such cases, you will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once the three-year residency requirement is met, obtaining a PIV credential will be mandatory to continue employment.

Mandatory Requirements (Affiliation with Countries of Risk):
• The Department of Energy (DOE) and Battelle prohibit DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval from DOE and Battelle.
• If offered a position and you currently have any such affiliation, you will be required to disclose this information and either recuse yourself from the affiliation or receive explicit approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Compensation:
• Minimum Salary: USD $16.66/Hr.
• Maximum Salary: USD $30.00/Hr.
• Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range. Actual placement within the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience.
• PNNL does not ask for or consider current or past salaries when making compensation offers. Offers are based on 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.