#Physics

Tag: #Physics

NATIONAL LABS IN THE UNITED STATES (WITH REVIEW)

There are 17 Department of Energy (DOE) national labs in the US, each dedicated to discovering, synthesizing, and manipulating scientific data and findings. Below is a brief review of 10 national labs, along with links to their job openings and undergraduate programs.

1. Ames National Laboratory

Ames National Lab, an Iowa-based institution, conducts both fundamental and applied research that helps the world better understand chemistry, physics, and materials science. It is operated by Iowa State University under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. They also have an internship program called the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program. This is a premier Department of Energy internship designed to bring undergraduates into the laboratory research setting at Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University to work with scientists who are leaders in their research fields (Link To Their Undergraduate Internship).

Check out Their Website for more information: https://www.ameslab.gov/

2. Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where talented scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity, from how to obtain affordable clean energy to protecting ourselves and our environment. It is found in Chicago, leading discovery and power innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from high-energy physics and materials science to biology and advanced computer science. (Check out their job openings: Here). They also have solid programs for undergraduates during the summer and within the academic year ( Click here to Check it out).

Also check out their website for more information: https://www.anl.gov/

3. Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven National Laboratory applies its expertise and world-class facilities to pressing scientific questions about everything from the fundamental forces of nature to the complex interactions of ecosystems and the environment. Located in Upton, New York, Brookhaven National Lab excels in designing, constructing, and operating large-scale, cutting-edge research facilities—some of which are unavailable anywhere else in the world. Among Brookhaven Lab’s current initiatives are nuclear science, energy science, data science, particle physics, accelerator science and technology, quantitative plant science, and quantum information. Check out their amazing educational programs on their website. Check out their undergraduate programs: Here

Fun Fact: They collect and study data from a Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, and use the collected data to explore the laws of physics at subatomic scales, test predictions of the Standard Model of particle physics, and search for signs of new particles and forces (Cool!! Read more here)

Check out their website for more information: https://www.bnl.gov/world/

4. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Fermilab is America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Their vision is to solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space, and time for the benefit of all. They strive to lead the world in neutrino science with particle accelerators, lead the nation in the development of particle colliders and their use for scientific discovery, and advance particle physics through measurements of the cosmos. They are found in Batavia, Illinois (on a 6,800-acre site) and managed by the Fermi Research Alliance LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. They also have over 2,000 employees ranging from engineers to administrative professionals (Check out their job openings: Here).

Also check out their website for more information: https://www.fnal.gov/

5. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab is managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Their core values are team science (solutions to complex problems), service, trust, innovation, and respect. Their mission is to expand the frontiers of knowledge and deliver solutions for science and humankind. The lab is located on Cyclotron Road, Berkeley. CA. They have approximately 16,350 researchers worldwide who use their facility, and about 1,800 scientists and engineers work in the facility. Check out their Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI). They also partner with the Joint BioEnergy Institute to offer undergraduate research opportunities. (Read more)

Check out their website for more information: https://www.lbl.gov/

6. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL’s)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory was established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project and is building on a legacy of discovery and innovation to continually address the most urgent research and development (R&D) needs. They deliver scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs needed to realize solutions in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation. They address national needs through impactful research and world-leading research centers. ORNL’s world-class scientific user facilities are available to users from universities, industry, and other institutions. Here are their facilities: • Building Technologies Research and Integration Center • Carbon Fiber Technology Facility • Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences • High Flux Isotope Reactor • Manufacturing Demonstration Facility • National Transportation Research Center • Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility • Spallation Neutron Source. Check out their educational programs (Here)

Fun Fact: They organize the annual JUMP (Join the discussion, Unveil innovation, Make connections, Promote tech-to-market) STEM competition for undergraduate and graduate students at US colleges and universities (Read More)

Check out their website for more information: https://www.orni.gov

7. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a different kind of national lab that advances the frontiers of knowledge, taking on some of the world’s greatest science and technology challenges. They have distinctive strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology, and data science which are central to their scientific discovery mission. Their research lays a foundation for innovations that advance sustainable energy through decarbonization and energy storage and enhance national security through nuclear materials and threat analyses. PNNL collaborates with academia in fundamental research and with industry to transition technologies to market. Their researchers accept great challenges such as unlocking the mysteries of Earth’s climate, helping modernize the U.S. electric power grid, or safeguarding ports around the world from nuclear smuggling, for one purpose: to create a world that is safer, cleaner, more prosperous, and more secure. Each year they welcome over 1,500 interns from across the nation to join internship and research associate opportunities that open pathways for a variety of STEM careers in basic science, clean energy, national security, and more. Learn more about these opportunities that are available throughout the year and how they help their interns grow their network to position them for future success (Here)

Also check out their website for more information: https://www.pnnl.gov/

 8. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)

This multimillion-dollar building will serve as an international hub of fusion research and a platform for new programs. Its modern and efficient design will support the Lab’s expanded scientific mission in microelectronics, quantum materials and devices, and sustainability science. They are studying ways to remove fossil fuels from industrial and manufacturing processes to contribute to a Net-Zero America, contributing to a sustainable future. They also strive to understand plasma from the lab to the cosmos, and for good reason: plasma, the fuel of fusion, makes up 99% of the visible universe, exploring the universe and beyond. Year-round internships are available, both paid and for credit – for students at 4-year and 2-year institutions. Work closely with a scientist or engineer on a cutting-edge project. Join Them! They also have a Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI), program.

Also check out their website for more information: https://www.pppl.gov/

 9. Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) National Accelerator Laboratory

Their mission is to explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Their research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation. They are known for leading large-scale science projects, and we welcome scientists to use their X-rays, lasers, and electron beams for groundbreaking experiments. SLAC’s vision is to open new windows to the natural world and build a brighter future through discovery and innovation. They live by the values of excellence (being at high standards), integrity (being accountable), collaboration (being committed to the collective success of SLAC), respect, and creativity (exploring new ideas with courage). They have a workforce of nearly 1,700 creative, diverse, and united employees (Check out SLAC’s job openings Here). SLAC offers a variety of internship opportunities along with mentorship opportunities created to help students be successful in their career interests (Check Them out)

Also check out their website for more information: https://www6.slac.stanford.edu/

10.   Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory lab capitalizes on its unique technologies and expertise to perform advanced computing and applied research with industry and university partners, and provides programs designed to help educate the next generation in science and technology. Scientists worldwide utilize the lab’s unique particle accelerator, known as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), to probe the most basic building blocks of matter – helping us to better understand these particles and the forces that bind them – and ultimately our world. One of their mission is to deliver discovery-caliber research by exploring the atomic nucleus and its fundamental constituents, including precise tests of their interactions. Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact (Check out their job openings here) They also have programs for undergraduates, which are mostly internships and other opportunities for students to get involved (Here). You can also check their website for more information: https://www.jlab.org/

Here are the links to the other National Labs in the United States:

11. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

12. Sandia National Laboratory

13. Idaho National Laboratory

14 . Los Alamos National Laboratory

15. National Energy Technology Laboratory

16. National Renewable Energy Laboratory

17. Savannah River National Laboratory

Dennis Boakye ’26 is a rising junior with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics. He is also a co-president of the Neurolawrence Club and the Synthetic Biology Club and the treasurer for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA, Lawrence Chapter) and the Black Student Union (BSU). Dennis is the current career peer educator for the Health and Medicinal Professions (HMP) and the Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities at Lawrence University. Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn.

Career Highlight: Physicist

Interested in becoming a physicist? Read on to know more about what this career looks like! 

Job Duties:

Physicists write and publish scientific papers about the results of their research. This research can vary from developing theoretical models that describe properties of the natural world like the force of gravity or the formation of sub-atomic particles to more practical things like examining how materials change their structure when undergoing different processes or looking at how microtubules pull chromosomes apart. Physicists also need to write proposals to receive funding for their research and present their findings at scientific conferences and lectures. For this reason, physicists will occasionally need to travel locally or internationally to go to conferences to present and discuss their research with other scientists (the costs for these trips are typically covered by the institution they are researching for). If working in academia, they may also teach courses or give lectures at universities in addition to research. Mentoring and advising students (both graduate and undergraduate) may also be part of their job duties. 

Because physics is such a broad field with many applications, there are many branches. Astronomy or astrophysics focuses on the physics of the universe and space while particle and nuclear physicists examine properties of atomic and subatomic particles and the forces responsible for their interactions. Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, molecules, light, and the interactions among them. They may also research ways to control states of individual atoms because this can help develop better semi-conductors and transistors. Materials physicists examine physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, and novel compounds. Plasma physicists study plasmas, which occur naturally in stars and are found in neon signs and plasma screen televisions. They also study ways to create fusion reactors, a potential future source of energy. Some branches of physics are more inter-disciplinary, like medical physics, which involves using physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. Biophysics is also another example which applies physics theories and methods to understand how biological systems work.

Where They Work:

Physicists generally work in offices and research labs. Around 31% of physicists work in scientific research and development services (which includes privately and federally funded labs). Examples of labs include the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, the Goddard Institute in Maryland and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California. Some of the biggest employers of physicists within the federal government are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Defense according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Something to note: U.S. citizenship is required for most research opportunities in the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA). 

Some physicists choose to take alternative pathways beyond academia and research and go on to work in private industries. This includes a variety of industries such as those engaged with engineering, computer science, and companies who work for government contractors. The research or work done for private industries might be a little different from doing research in a government funded lab; for example, in a government funded lab you might be working with a high energy particle-accelerator because you are researching high-energy particle physics but for a private tech company, you might be researching ways to create better semiconductors and lasers which might have practical applications in electronics or medical imaging. 

Education and Training:

Most roles as a physicist will require advanced academic training. While many believe that getting a Ph.D. is necessary to getting a job in research, that is not always the case. There are other ways to working in research without getting a master’s degree or Ph.D. For example, if you already have research experience, you might be eligible to apply for entry-level positions like research assistant positions (especially within a school of medicine of health sciences), lab managers, or lab technicians. The American Physical Society also has a helpful guide to pursuing bachelor’s degree-level physics research roles in government-funded laboratories. For these roles, it is important to pursue physics research as an undergraduate (e.g., summer research programs, REUs, etc.). 

Pay and Job Outlook:

The average projected employment growth for physicists is around 8%, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in May 2020 is around $129,850 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $67,450, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000. However, these numbers start to change when looking at specific industries. For a more detailed look at median wages by industry in the United States, you can visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website.