Intern, R&D Undergraduate Year-Round Molecular and Microbiology, Hybrid

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a - R&D Undergraduate Intern to join our team. The Molecular & Microbiology department and Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group seeks an outstanding undergraduate student to work with a multidisciplinary research team in the area of quantum biological imaging. The department conducts fundamental and applied biological research in biodefense and the bioeconomy focused on detection of pathogens, disease symptoms, and malicious use of synthetic biology. As an intern, you will be mentored by a staff member and have the potential to participate in a variety of research projects related to the fields described above. You will also receive hand-on lab experience using cutting edge instrumentation and contribute to Sandia's mission-driven science.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Learn experimental protocols in order to carry out laboratory work safely
• Maintain a laboratory notebook and present your work in lab meetings and possibly conferences
• Aid in the maintenance of the laboratory and daily lab operations
• Maintain and align custom designed and commercial microscopes for biological imaging these could include confocal fluorescence, optical super resolution, and other modalities.
• Perform sample preparation for microscopy
• Perform microscopy
• Assist in experiment execution to meet project milestones

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.


Salary Range

At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here .

Qualifications We Require

You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:

• Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
• Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.

Qualifications We Desire

• Previous laboratory experience in an optical sciences laboratory.
• Pursuing a major in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with design and alignment of laser-based optical microscopes (e.g. confocal fluorescence, optical super resolution, phase-contrast imaging, etc.).
• Prior experience conducting hyperspectral imaging on algae and plants
• Knowledge of Sorghum microbiome members and growth protocols
• Understanding of quantum science and quantum imaging for biological samples
• Eagerness to learn new skills.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in a team-based environment.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

About Our Team

The Molecular and Microbiology department, which is part of Sandia's Applied Biosciences and Engineering group supports mission areas in biodefense, emerging infectious disease, and biofuels. The department conducts fundamental and applied research in cell biology, immunology, nanomaterials and microbiology. The focus is on the development and use of advanced enabling technologies such as fluorescence microscopy, vibrational spectroscopies, X-ray and neutron scattering, and chemometric data analysis tools to study biological systems of interest to biofuels development and biodefense. Current research projects include developing nanoparticles for drug and vaccine delivery, understanding receptor activation and cell signaling processes, novel pathogen detection approaches, plant physiology, cellulase enzymes, as well as algal biochemistry and cultivation characterization for biofuels applications. We conduct research for the National Institutes of Health, Basic Energy Sciences, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, U.S. Industry, Department of Health and Human Services and Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research & Development program. .

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at:

*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.


If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.