Applications for Summer 2025 are closed.
Applications for Summer 2026 will open in October 2025.

To learn more about the program, please reference the FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the internship last?

The start- and-end dates of summer internships are flexible depending on the school schedule of the student and needs of the project, but most are at least 10 weeks starting either in mid-May for those on the semester system or mid-June for those on the quarter system. The internship is a full-time commitment for that period and usually involves assisted relocation to the Livermore area. Remote projects are occasionally available.

Is this a paid internship?

Yes! The pay is very competitive with industry and is generally more than an academic internship. Additionally, interns who are hired and paid by LLNL (non-Academic Cooperation Program [ACP] students) will be reimbursed for moving expenses based on eligibility according to LLNL policy. Please refer to “What is an ACP student?” below for more information on ACP students.

How many interns do you hire?

We select approximately 30 students each year into this competitive program.

What qualifications do I need?

To be considered for the fusion scholar program, you should have the following qualifications:

• Actively pursuing a degree in one of the many fields that intersect with high energy density fusion science, including physics, optics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and computer engineering, and computer science or a similar field.
• Desire to understand and explore the breadth of technological challenges associated with fusion energy.
• Desire to improve skills in public presentation of scientific results by giving presentations and participating in the LLNL student poster symposia and/or Summer Slam competition.
• Eagerness to obtain an understanding of new application areas.
• Effective programming skills in a high-level language such as R, MATLAB, or Python.
• Exposure through coursework to some of the following topics (project dependent):
  • Introductory physics courses in electromagnetism and thermodynamics
  • Modern physics including lasers and optics
  • Statistical modeling and data analysis
  • Introductory engineering courses in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or materials science
  • Computer modeling and simulation
• Prior experience in an experimental research laboratory or with scientific or engineering computer simulations is a plus!

If you don’t meet these qualifications, we encourage you to explore other internships at LLNL (Join Our Team/Careers/Intern).

Is the program open to students who are not U.S. citizens?

Yes, it is open to both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.

Will the 2026 program be virtual or in person?

The majority of students in the 2026 program will be onsite, which means you will need to live in or near Livermore and find reliable transportation to and from work for the duration of your internship. Visit the LLNL Students website for more information about background checks, drug screening, onboarding tasks, transportation, and housing.

What does the program consist of?

The program consists of working with a mentor scientist on a guided research project that incorporates short- and long-term goals. The project specifics are often tailored to the expertise or interest of the students, who are encouraged to take charge further into their internships to decide which aspects could be explored as final goals. Additionally, a series of lectures, panel discussions, on and offsite tours, and more will give participants an understanding of the breadth of research being performed at LLNL, both generally and in the inertial fusion energy space.

Who will be my mentor and how will we work together?

Mentors are LLNL staff scientists who propose a research project for the program. A mentor has the responsibility to define a project that will be significant yet manageable over the course of the internship. Some of these projects are designed to lead to follow-on work for students who would like to return in subsequent years. In a typical working arrangement, a student may expect to meet with their mentor daily or a couple of times per week depending on the research plan. It is also common for interns to participate in their mentors’ working meetings.

Which job posting should I apply to?

If you plan to continue your undergraduate degree after the summer program ends, apply to the undergraduate job posting. If you plan to complete your undergraduate degree before the summer program begins, apply to the graduate job posting—even if you are not enrolled in a graduate program in the fall. If you plan to continue your graduate degree after the summer program ends, apply to the graduate job posting.

How will I know if my application has been selected?

Our mentors have until the beginning of February to select their students. You will know by the end of February if you have been selected. You will be contacted by a mentor and the program administrator to begin the hiring process.

I'm having trouble submitting my application. Who do I contact?

The links above to specific job postings will take you to LLNL's Careers website. From there, you will apply using the Smart Recruiters platform. If the links or apply button aren't working, or if the submission functionality doesn’t work, we recommend that you try again in another browser or on another day. If you continue to experience issues while submitting your application, please email Patrick Poole at poole11@llnl.

What is an ACP student?

The Academic Cooperation Program (ACP) allows LLNL to host students who are funded through an external partner organization, and to offer them the experience of working closely with LLNL staff, just as LLNL interns do. Unlike interns, ACP students are not LLNL employees but are externally sponsored by programs such as LLF, MARA, DOE OMNI, NNSA MSIIP, MSGF, NSF, JST, AMED, and many more. ACP students must be actively enrolled, and in good standing, in a degree program at an accredited college or university. Depending on eligibility, approval may be granted to students who have recently graduated within one year of the ACP internship end date. Both ACP students and LLNL interns who participate in the program will receive the same experience.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?

Send your questions to poole11 [at] llnl.gov. You can also visit the LLNL Students website for more information on the Lab's scholar programs.