Careers
- Home
- Careers
The SSI summer internship program offers the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students with backgrounds in astrophysics and planetary science to engage in research at LLNL.
Building on a long history of excellence in space science and instrumentation, SSI seeks to tackle significant challenges in astrophysics and planetary science by fostering collaboration across various disciplines. This program covers the following research areas:
- Astrophysics and cosmology (optical astronomy and cosmology, x-ray astrophysics, x-ray laboratory astrophysics, and nuclear astrophysics)
- Planetary science (cosmochemistry and planetary defense)
- Technology and instrument development (adaptive optics, gamma-ray spectrometers, SmallSat capabilities for science missions, and x-ray and extreme ultraviolet optics)
For 10–12 weeks from May to September, senior undergraduate and graduate students with backgrounds in these research areas can:
- Develop skills by conducting practical research at LLNL under the supervision of a staff scientist
- Attend a specialized seminar series
- Showcase projects at a student poster session

Apply today
Applications for summer 2025 are now open.
To apply, visit the LLNL job search webpage and search for the following postings:
- Undergraduate students: REF6810M
- Graduate students: REF6811Z
Applicants will need to submit a CV/resume and a cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than one page and should include a description of why you wish to work at LLNL and how you would like to contribute to SSI research at LLNL. Applicants considered for the summer internship will need to provide, upon request, one letter of recommendation and their graduate/undergraduate transcripts.
Application deadline: February 15, 2025
Have questions about the internship?
Contact us at spacescience_studentcoordinator [at] llnl.gov (spacescience_studentcoordinator[at]llnl[dot]gov)
SSI Student Research and Engagement Coordinators
Want to learn about related internships?
Students can explore additional research areas and meet our researchers by participating in related internship programs at LLNL.