The ORNL Accelerator

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The ORNL Accelerator

The ORNL Accelerator is the world-class career development experience offered to every intern at the laboratory. Through immersive research, mentorship, and a professional development series grounded in ORNL’s Core Values—Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service—the Accelerator provides an environment that builds momentum for future academic or professional pursuits. 

Each intern’s path at ORNL is unique, shaped by contributions to scientific and operational work across the laboratory. Interns join a collaborative community committed to safety, inclusion, shared purpose, and the scientific mission. An internship at ORNL represents a strong beginning and an entry point into a culture defined by excellence and service.

A Culture Grounded in Core Values

A researcher wearing safety glasses and black gloves examines a long transparent tube or sample component in a laboratory. The person stands at a lab bench surrounded by scientific supplies and equipment, carefully inspecting the item under a magnifying lamp.

Impact

Interns participate in hands-on research, communication workshops, facility tours, and final presentations. These experiences provide insight into laboratory standards and help build skills essential for long-term success in science and engineering.
Two researchers stand beside a large robotic or remote-handling system in a laboratory or industrial testing facility. One person operates a camera mounted on a tripod while both observe equipment behind a protective shield, surrounded by cables, instrumentation, and control hardware.

Integrity

Interns engage with the principles of ethical research, responsible authorship, and scientific identity, reinforcing ORNL’s commitment to excellence in the conduct and communication of research.
Three people stand in a laboratory or industrial research facility discussing scientific equipment and data displayed on a computer monitor. One person gestures while explaining something to the others beside a large experimental apparatus surrounded by cables, instrumentation, and control systems.

Teamwork

Interns are integrated into the broader ORNL community from the start, working alongside mentors, peers, resource groups, and interdisciplinary teams. Collaboration is central to the laboratory’s mission and culture.
A researcher wearing safety glasses and heavy protective gloves works inside a laboratory glovebox while holding a pipette.

Safety

Safety serves as a core value and shared responsibility at ORNL. Interns receive comprehensive safety training and experience a research environment that prioritizes awareness, responsibility, and sustainable scientific practice.
Four people wearing matching colorful tie-dye shirts pose together outdoors in front of a United Way Greater Knoxville tent at a community event.

Service

Interns have opportunities to participate in volunteer programs and community engagement activities, reinforcing the connection between scientific innovation and public benefit.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.