With a strong innovation ecosystem and strong commitment to decarbonization, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most exciting places to launch a clean energy career. To support the development of a diverse and innovative clean energy workforce in our region, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is pleased to announce a new pilot program, the Regional Energy Innovators Internship.

In this competitive, paid internship, you will explore projects that broaden your understanding of clean energy science, innovation, and policy; build your research capabilities; and expand your professional network. It is a unique experience that will stand out on your resume.

A distinctive feature of this program is the opportunity to look at an energy challenge from different angles—you’ll split your time at PNNL working on projects with mentors from different disciplines. You will also interact with mentors from industry, state government, and non-profits to gain a broader perspective of energy issues and broader professional network in the region. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student eager to explore how scientific research can accelerate a resilient, equitable, and clean energy transition, and if you are interested in launching a career in the Pacific Northwest, then you are a great fit for this program.

Projects for the 2022-23 Pilot Class

Our inaugural class for the Regional Energy Innovators Internship will tackle significant, real-world issues in clean energy. Interns, guided by dedicated mentors, will engage in the following projects:

1. Integrating Equity into Energy Research: Support research and regional engagement related to community-level impacts of decarbonization, especially for rural and tribal communities.

2. Data Analytics for Renewable Energy: Assess the current and future role of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest in pursuit of regional and national clean energy goals. 

3. Net Zero Emission Transitions: Evaluate opportunities to reduce carbon across multiple buildings or programs to support pathways to net zero emissions. 

4. Resilient Building-Grid Integration: Explore how energy storage coupled with intelligent energy control systems can support decarbonization and grid resilience. 

5. Hydrogen Infrastructure Planning: Explore the technical specifications necessary for safe and reliable hydrogen storage and distribution. 

6. Planning for Grid Resilience in a Changing Climate:  Use climate change simulations and grid modeling tools to inform planning for more resilient energy infrastructure. 

Key Dates

• Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 2, 2022, and continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
• Internships will begin in early July 2022, or as soon as employment requirements are completed.
• This is a one-year program. Once accepted, your mentors will work with you to develop a detailed scope of work and a schedule for at least 500 hours of work that accommodates both your academic program calendar and their project requirements.

Eligibility 

Applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Candidates must be enrolled/matriculated in at least the third year of a bachelor’s degree program or in a masters or PhD program at an accredited U.S. college or university through December of 2022.  

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. 
• Be at least 18 years of age. 
• For the hydrogen project only, must be able to work on-site.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with energy systems and/or climate and energy policy
• Interest in career opportunities in the Pacific Northwest 

• Demonstrated interest in multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving and working with diverse teams. 
• Coursework and/or experience in one or more of the following: modeling complex systems, materials science, mechanical or electrical engineering, energy or climate policy, building controls and optimization, advanced data analytics, participatory research, scientific and technical communication, or other areas relevant to specific positions. 

Applying for the internship

To apply, please carefully follow the instructions for uploading your materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered:  

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter (maximum of 400 words) indicating which position(s) are of interest, how your interests and experiences align with the position(s), and how the experience would advance your educational and career goals  
3. Current unofficial transcript. 

To view currently available positions, click this link or visit careers.pnnl.gov and search for “Regional Energy Innovators Internship.”