Intern - Environmental Geochemistry Research

Job Description

Working Job Title: Intern - Environmental Geochemistry Research I

Employment Duration: 6 months

Hiring Manager: Vincent Noel

Hiring Department: SSRL Imaging

Intern Level: Level II/III

Position Overview:

The Environmental Geochemistry program at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is conducting research to understand the mineralogical, elemental, and hydrological processes controlling the behavior of elements in complex environmental systems. This internship will provide hands-on experience in laboratory environmental geochemistry, synchrotron-based characterization, reactive-transport experiments, and particle-separation method development. The intern will contribute to three complementary research activities: (1) elemental, mineralogical, and total organic carbon characterization of environmental soil samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and an Elemental Analyzer (EA); (2) support of laboratory column experiments investigating groundwater flow and geochemical processes; and (3) development and validation of a physical separation workflow for biogenic iron sulfide particles and sulfate-reducing bacteria in produced-water samples. The position will involve environmental sample preparation, support of experimental activities, X-ray measurements, quantitative data processing using established analytical workflows, and documentation of experimental results.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Prepare and characterize environmental soil samples using bulk XRF, XRD, and an Elemental Analyzer (EA) for total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, including assisting with the development and testing of sample holders for high-throughput XRF measurements at SSRL beamlines.

• Process XRF, XRD, and TOC datasets using established analytical workflows, including elemental quantification using SMAK and identification of mineral phases from XRD patterns under the guidance of research staff.

• Assist with reactive-transport column experiments, including column saturation, preparation of synthetic groundwater, operation of peristaltic pumps, Rhizon porewater sampling, collection of downstream effluent, and preparation of aqueous samples for ICP analysis.

• Assist with the testing and evaluation of preprocessing methods for separating biogenic FeS particles from sulfate-reducing bacteria in produced-water samples, including membrane filtration, particle-dispersion approaches, and measurements related to FeS aggregation and separation efficiency.

• Prepare synthetic and process authentic environmental water samples under controlled laboratory conditions, including anoxic sample handling when required, following established protocols and appropriate supervision.

• Organize and process experimental datasets and maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation

Opportunities and Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in environmental geochemistry research combining laboratory experiments, environmental sample characterization, and synchrotron-based analytical techniques.

• Gain practical experience with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Elemental Analyzer measurements for total organic carbon (TOC), including sample preparation, measurements, data processing, and interpretation.

• Gain experience supporting, operating, and evaluating laboratory experiments involving soil, groundwater, porewater, mineral particles, and reactive-transport systems.

• Opportunity to become more closely connected to the Stanford/SLAC scientific community and collaborate with scientists, students, and technical staff from multiple disciplines.

• Opportunity to work at a national laboratory and synchrotron user facility and gain exposure to advanced analytical instrumentation and experimental approaches used in environmental and geochemical research.

• Develop scientific data-analysis, interpretation, documentation, and communication skills through participation in active research projects.

Note: This is an hourly, non-benefits-eligible, temporary, non-exempt student position working full-time (40 hours per week), not to exceed 980 hours within six consecutive months. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated, and have US work authorization.

To be successful in this position you must have:

• Current enrollment in, or recent graduation from, an educational program in environmental science, geochemistry, geology, chemistry, environmental engineering, or a related scientific/technical field.

• Completed college-level coursework in environmental science, chemistry, geochemistry, geology, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with environmental laboratory and/or field research involving soil, water, groundwater, or related environmental samples.

• Basic laboratory skills and the ability to safely prepare samples, solutions, and experimental systems while following established laboratory procedures.

• Experience collecting, organizing, and processing quantitative scientific data, with an interest in developing scientific data-interpretation skills.

• Ability and interest in learning new analytical and experimental techniques, including XRF, XRD, Elemental Analyzer measurements, synchrotron-based measurements, reactive-transport experiments, and particle-separation methods.

• Strong attention to detail and organization, including the ability to maintain accurate sample records, experimental documentation, and laboratory data.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Experience with standard wet-laboratory techniques.

• Experience with soil, groundwater, porewater, or other environmental samples.

• Experience working in an academic, laboratory, or R&D environment.

• Familiarity with environmental data analysis using Excel, Python, R, or related software.

• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures and scientific record keeping.

• Interest in environmental geochemistry, mineral–water interactions, X-ray characterization, reactive-transport experiments, or particle and colloid behavior.

• Experience preparing technical documentation, scientific figures, reports, or other research materials.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.