Job Title
Nuclear Fuels and Chemistry Summer Student Employee
Location:
Charlotte, NC, Palo Alto, CA, Remote/Home Based
Job Summary And Description
EPRI’s Fuels and Chemistry Department within the Nuclear Sector focuses on a wide spectrum of research and development (R&D) needs supporting operation, waste, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The research supports EPRI’s mission of delivering independent, objective thought leadership and industry expertise to help the energy sector identify issues, technology gaps, and broader needs that can be addressed for the benefit of society. Research may include work on reliability and performance of the primary containment boundaries (both primary system materials and fuel cladding), operational efficiency and optimization, optimization of waste management and disposal (all forms of waste including spent nuclear fuel), and protection of workers and the public.
Students working in the summer semester will typically work either at the EPRI Charlotte or Palo Alto locations.
The summer internship experience provides a technical mentor and professional networking opportunities in addition to guided project-focused research work. This unique setting will provide students with rare, but essential practical insight to industry problems and issues and improve links to academic coursework.
Students may be hired into one of four research programs (Chemistry and Radiation Safety, Fuel Reliability, Decommissioning, and Used Fuel and High-Level Waste) to work over the timeframe of May to August. Students who demonstrate exemplary skillsets and learning over this ~12-week period may be asked to work part time after the summer period and/or be invited in subsequent years to extend their exposure to the Energy Sector.
Students hired in the Fuels and Chemistry department may support research in a wide range of areas including but not limited to: nuclear power plant water chemistry control technologies including water purification, chemical mitigation technologies, corrosion product transport, and source term reduction; chemistry and radiation monitoring; radiation protection strategies and technologies; effluent and radwaste management; decommissioning technologies and experience sharing; advanced technology and accident tolerant fuel cladding; high burn-up and LEU+; dry cask storage aging management and fuel performance; used fuel criticality and control; and spent fuel transportation and disposal.
Candidates
EPRI is looking for exceptionally talented science and engineering students wishing to gain additional experience in the nuclear power industry. Typical majors could include, but are not limited to the following:
- Engineering – Nuclear, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Computer, Environmental, or similar disciplines
- Physical Sciences – Chemistry, Materials Science, Computer Science, or similar fields
- Data Science
Typical Activities And Responsibilities May Include The Following
- Conduct literature surveys and clear documentation of results in written and visual form
- Plant data collection and analysis
- Work with technical mentors to gain experience in addressing real-world challenges, drivers, and priorities that impact power generation and the backend of the nuclear power cycle.
- Conduct research and assigned tasks independently, but still be willing to interface with other peers and a technical mentor on a regular basis.
An Ideal Candidate will typically have the following qualifications. Exceptions have been made for students with exemplary background and interviews:
- Be at least starting their junior year (3rd year) in Fall, while some projects will prefer M.S. or PhD graduate-level students graduating in next 1-2 years.
- Working knowledge of core degree areas.
- Eagerness to take on new challenges.
- Worked on group projects as part of classes.
- Willingness to work and network with peer student interns at EPRI.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants interested in applying for a remote-based position will definitely be considered, but may have limited access to some in-person extracurricular opportunities.
The Hourly Rate Range For Student Positions Are
- Undergraduate: $16-29 per hour
- Masters: $25-31 per hour
- Ph.D: $27-34 per hour
These ranges are an estimate, and the actual hourly rate may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The hourly rate may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
As an EPRI Student, you will not participate in EPRI’s Benefit Programs which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave (except as set required by law) and holiday pay. However, as a Student employee you are eligible for the benefits of Social Security, State Disability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
For Student positions which require one to relocate to an EPRI office. Relocation assistance is not provided and the student will be responsible for covering all relocation costs/expenses.
EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.
EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.
www.epri.com
