Explore Programs and Internships
Graduate students play a critical role in advancing ORNL’s research enterprise. Through dedicated internship and collaboration programs, master’s and doctoral students engage in complex scientific and technical initiatives, contributing as full members of research teams.
All internships include a stipend, and application deadlines vary by program. Select a program below to learn more.
Spring, Summer and Fall Programs
DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program
- The Office of Science Graduate Student Research program supports doctoral students conducting part of their dissertation research at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory.
- Participants work with a university adviser and an ORNL mentor during research appointments lasting three to 12 consecutive months. A supplemental award helps cover living and travel expenses.
- Applications for 2026 Solicitation 2 close at 5 p.m. ET on November 4, 2026.
ORNL Research Student Internships
- The Research Student Internships program provides undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates with paid, mentored research experience in ORNL’s science and technology areas.
- Appointments are typically offered during 10-week summer terms, with 16-week opportunities available during the spring and fall. Full- and part-time appointments may be available.
- Spring 2027 applications close October 28, 2026.
ORNL Technical and Professional Internships
- The TPI program at ORNL is designed for students pursuing degrees in business, operations, facilities management, information technology, communications, finance, human resources, and other professional disciplines that support scientific research.
- Appointments are paid and typically offered during 10-week summer terms, with additional 16-week opportunities available during the academic year based on organizational needs.
- Spring 2027 applications close October 28, 2026.
Graduate Research at ORNL
- Graduate Research at ORNL provides master’s and doctoral students with extended, mentored research appointments that directly support their thesis or dissertation.
- Appointments may span multiple semesters or years, depending on the research scope and available funding. Students collaborate with an ORNL mentor and their university adviser.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students must identify an ORNL mentor before applying.
Summer-Only Programs
ORNL Legal Internship Program
- The ORNL Legal Internship Program gives current law students experience with in-house legal work supporting a major research institution.
- Interns work with attorneys and legal staff on matters such as procurement, ethics, export control, data privacy, and labor and employment law.
- Paid summer appointments include a stipend, housing allowance, and travel support as applicable.
GEM Fellow Internship Program at ORNL
- The GEM Fellow Internship Program provides master’s and doctoral students in engineering and science with paid summer research experience at ORNL.
- Participants work full time for 10 weeks with an ORNL mentor on a project aligned with their academic interests and graduate research goals.
- Students apply through the National GEM Consortium. Applicants must meet GEM fellowship requirements and be eligible for placement with an employer sponsor such as ORNL.
National Nuclear Security Administration IMPACT
- The National Nuclear Security Administration IMPACT Internship Program provides graduate students and recent graduates with mentored experience supporting the nation’s nuclear security mission.
- Participants contribute to projects in engineering, science, research, technology, policy, business, or government relations at participating national laboratories and NNSA offices.
- Summer internships allow participants to build technical and professional skills while exploring careers within the federal government and the nuclear security enterprise.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.