IDEAL University and Student Relationships
Building a Skilled Workforce for National and Homeland Security
INL’s National and Homeland Security directorate focuses on forecasting and understanding future threats, protecting U.S. borders, cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and ensuring national economic prosperity and security. The IDEAL workforce development team attract, develop and retain a diverse and skilled talent to support these mission areas.
The IDEAL team connects relevant academic degrees at universities with career opportunities at INL, providing valuable insights into our critical work. The team provides guidance and expert reviews of staffing and internship applicant pools, leads academic engagements, and creates new opportunities to develop the next generation of researchers and leaders.
Connect with the IDEAL Team
Internships and Fellowships
The IDEAL program pairs students with professionals who have extensive experience in national and homeland security, effectively enhancing engagement. By collaborating with community colleges, undergraduate and graduate programs, INL offers a wide range of internships, joint appointments, capstones, and postdoc programs focused on both technical competencies and professional development. Additionally, the lab partners with fellowship programs to develop and sustain a strong and diverse homeland security workforce pathway.
National and homeland security divisions:
- Defense Systems
- Nuclear Nonproliferation
- Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure Resilience
- Wireless Communications
Research areas include:
- Cybersecurity/Computer Science
- Electrical, Power and Power Systems Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering/Chemistry
- Data Analytics
Postdoctoral Appointments
At Idaho National Laboratory, we are dedicated to connecting faculty and students with subject matter experts across a broad range of topics, seamlessly integrating our cutting-edge research into educational curriculums. We actively advocate for students to explore postdoctoral research opportunities, and full-time positions within our institution.
Postdoctoral research appointees are provided a mentored experience and the highest quality of training to prepare them for the transition to research independence. This program supports the establishment of INL as the preeminent nuclear energy laboratory and a leader in the development of unique national and homeland security capabilities and sustainable energy systems.
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. requirements must be complete by the commencement of the appointment and within the previous five years.
- Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills.
- A developing publication record.
Joint Appointments
Joint appointments between INL and universities enhance research and development in national security by building strategic relationships and collaborations. This program supports INL’s workforce objectives and furthers the missions of both INL and partner universities through the following benefits:
- Fostering Collaborative Research Opportunities: Encourages joint research projects and initiatives.
- Expanding Academic Networks: Broadens professional connections within the academic community.
- Deepening and Broadening Capabilities and Scientific Impact: Enhances the scope and impact of scientific research.
- Facilitating Transdisciplinary Research: Promotes research that spans multiple disciplines.
- Providing Access to Specialized Instrumentation and Research Tools: Offers access to advanced tools and equipment.
- Giving Students and Interns New Educational and Mentorship Opportunities: Provides valuable learning and mentorship experiences for students and interns.
Typically, joint appointments are initiated through existing connections between INL researchers and university faculty. These appointments are formalized and approved by both institutions involved.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The IDEAL team’s holistic approach to mentorship helps develop the next generation of researchers while identifying pathways to full-time careers in homeland security. IDEAL works with universities on on-campus research projects and coordinates with faculty to provide students with joint appointments, capstone projects, research collaborations, workshops, and curriculum resources that support national and homeland security research.
