Explore Programs and Internships
At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, undergraduate internships provide hands-on experience in support of the laboratory’s scientific and technical mission. Students participate alongside researchers and professional staff, contributing to meaningful projects that address real-world challenges and advance discovery.
Internships are designed to strengthen technical skills, expand professional networks, and provide insight into careers in a national laboratory environment. All internships include a stipend, and application deadlines vary by program.
Spring, Summer and Fall Programs
DOE WDTS Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships
- SULI interns work alongside scientists and engineers on mission-driven research spanning computing, materials, energy, national security, biology, and physics. Interns are embedded in active research groups, gaining hands-on experience with world-class facilities, advanced instrumentation, and large-scale scientific collaborations.
- SULI appointments at ORNL are paid, 10-week experiences designed to support students exploring research careers aligned with the DOE mission.
- Spring 2027 applications close September 30, 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.
DOE WDTS Community College Internships
- The Community College Internships program provides community college students and recent graduates with paid, hands-on technical experience on projects that support the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission.
- Participants work with ORNL researchers and technical professionals during 10-week summer appointments or 16-week spring and fall appointments.
- Spring 2027 applications close September 30, 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.
Summer-Only Programs
National Nuclear Security Administration IMPACT
- The National Nuclear Security Administration IMPACT (NNSA-IMPACT) internship program, a Department of Energy initiative sponsored by NNSA, provides paid research and technical training opportunities to students enrolled at minority-serving institutions
ORNL Pathways to Computing Internship Program
The Pathways to Computing Internship Program (PCIP) at ORNL is designed for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, data science, quantum computing, and closely related computing disciplines. Appointments are paid, full-time, and mentored, typically spanning 10-week summer terms, with interns embedded in computational research teams aligned with DOE mission priorities in high-performance computing, AI and machine learning, data science, and quantum computing. PCIP is a summer-only experience offered exclusively to students who have not previously completed an internship at ORNL, creating a dedicated entry point into the laboratory’s computing ecosystem.
Summer 2027 applications opening soon
UT-ORII Student Mentoring and Research Training Internships
- The Student Mentoring and Research Training program connects undergraduate students with researchers from ORNL and the University of Tennessee to address complex scientific challenges through interdisciplinary team research.
- The paid, 10-week summer program includes professional development, University of Tennessee campus housing, and travel support for eligible participants.
- Priority consideration for summer 2027 is given to applications received by November 15, 2026. Applications remain open until all positions are filled.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.