Applied Artificial Intelligence & Autonomous Systems Intern

The Applied Artificial Intelligence & Autonomous Systems Intern will support the development and implementation of AI-enabled workflow and process improvement initiatives across Laboratory Operations. The intern will report to the Business Relationship Manager and work in a matrixed support capacity with Laboratory Operations leaders to assist in AI driven efficiency and optimization efforts.

This role is designed for a student seeking practical, hands-on experience applying AI tools, automation platforms, and data analytics techniques in a real-world operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in analyzing operational workflows and business processes to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and automation.
• Support development of AI enabled tools using large language models, structured prompts, and workflow automation platforms under supervision.
• Help organize and prepare structured and unstructured data for use in AI tools and reporting workflows.
• Assist in developing Retrieval Augmented Generation workflows to support knowledge based AI applications referencing policies, procedures, and institutional data.
• Test AI outputs using defined performance criteria and document findings.
• Support development of dashboards or reports that measure efficiency gains, cycle time reduction, or other operational performance metrics.
• Document workflows, technical steps, and lessons learned to ensure repeatability and knowledge transfer.
• Participate in meetings with Laboratory Operations leaders to understand business needs and gather feedback on pilot solutions.
• Follow established cybersecurity, data governance, and responsible AI practices.

Scope and Supervision

• Work is performed under close supervision with clearly defined assignments.
• Tasks are limited in scope and focused on learning and applying foundational AI and data analytics concepts.
• Work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established procedures.

Learning Outcomes:

• Exposure to real world AI implementation in an operational setting.
• Hands on experience with prompt engineering, workflow automation, and performance measurement.
• Understanding of responsible AI deployment within a regulated, mission driven organization.
• If desired, I can also draft a short business justification paragraph to support the intern request tied to Lab Ops AI modernization objectives.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and have completed at least three semester of schooling by the start of the program.
• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.
• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident at the time of application.
• If accepting an offer, then you must pass a screening drug test
• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Coursework or academic exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, or automation tools.
• Basic familiarity with Python or similar scripting language preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and interest in process improvement and applied AI.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Job Family

Undergraduate Student Employment

Job Profile

Research Aide Technical - Senior

Worker Type

Employee

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

The expected hiring range for this position is $24.63-$34.49.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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EEO Information

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  
 

All Argonne offers for appointments in the student employment category are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.