Intern, R&D Graduate Summer - Molecular and Microbiology, Onsite

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking an Intern Summer - R&D Graduate to join our team. The Molecular & Microbiology department and Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group seeks an outstanding graduate 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.
• Learn procedures for making nanoparticles for imaging standards.
• Assist in experiment execution to meet project milestones.

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 (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

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

• Earned bachelor's degree
• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work 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 yet started your graduate program, please apply to an undergraduate intern position.

• Previous laboratory experience in an optical sciences laboratory
• Pursuing a graduate degree in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, 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.)
• 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

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia's Molecular and Microbiology department conducts fundamental and applied research in areas such as cell biology, immunology, nanomaterials, and microbiology to support mission areas including biodefense, emerging infectious diseases, and biofuels. They utilize advanced technologies like fluorescence microscopy and X‑ray scattering to study biological systems relevant to biofuels and biodefense. Current projects include developing nanoparticles for drug delivery, understanding cell signaling, and novel pathogen detection.

Their research is conducted for various agencies.

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…