Research Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Research Intern jobs in New Mexico concentrate heavily in scientific research, national defense, and academia, with strong demand in fields like physics, biology, environmental science, and computer science. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by institutions like Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the University of New Mexico, which consistently bring on research interns year-round. Positions range from undergraduate lab assistants to graduate-level research associates contributing to funded projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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What Your Job Will Be Like
- Assist with thin-film deposition experiments using physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition techniques, including electron beam evaporation, sputtering, and atomic layer deposition
- Prepare substrates for deposition by performing cleaning procedures on wet benches and mounting samples for processing
- Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data to evaluate thin-film properties such as thickness and stress
- Support the operation and upkeep of laboratory spaces, including routine cleaning and general lab maintenance
- Summarize and communicate research results through informal updates, technical discussions, and, when appropriate, conference or seminar presentations
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
- Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.
Qualifications We Desire
- The ability to acquire and maintain a DOELL
- level security clearance ( Must be U.S. citizen)
- The ability to work on site at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and apply critical thinking skills to technical tasks
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
- Coursework in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field
- Interest in or familiarity with thin-film deposition techniques such as sputtering, electron beam evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition
- Interest in experimental laboratory work, including sample preparation, materials processing, and characterization
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Advanced Thin Film Materials Department conducts collaborative leading-edge experimental R&D that enables the collaborative development of creative solutions involving advanced thin film materials for supporting Sandia's broad and evolving National Security and Energy Missions. Our research activities have broad impact; and typically generate peer-reviewed, high-profile journal publications and presentations at professional scientific meetings. Our Department's R&D advances the application of thin film materials with engineered mechanical, tribological, electrical and optical properties that impact Sandia's National Security Missions. We partner with mission collaborators to help develop low volume production of materials for various applications and engage in leadership roles in the NNSA/DOE complex.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
See All 48 Research Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Intern JobsResearch Intern Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Intern Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Los Alamos National Laboratory10

- Sandia National Laboratories7

- Albertsons4

- UNM Hospital4

- State of New Mexico3

Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research intern jobs across New Mexico.
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or graduate degree program at an accredited institution
- Academic coursework in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science
- Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews and assist with data collection
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and standard research documentation practices
- Strong written communication skills for summarizing findings and contributing to reports
- Ability to work collaboratively within a research team under faculty or senior researcher supervision
Research Intern Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research intern in New Mexico?
Becoming a research intern in New Mexico typically requires current enrollment in a degree program at a New Mexico institution such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, or New Mexico Tech, or enrollment at an out-of-state school pursuing opportunities here. Most positions expect applicants to be studying a relevant field, carry a competitive GPA, and secure faculty or program sponsorship. No state license is required for most research intern roles, though lab-specific safety certifications may be expected.
Which companies hire research interns in New Mexico?
New Mexico research intern roles are posted by Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Albertsons and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. New Mexico's concentration of federal research facilities and research universities creates a steady pipeline of intern openings across the physical sciences, engineering, and public health.
Which New Mexico cities have the most research intern jobs?
Albuquerque, Los Alamos, and Santa Fe have the most research intern openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque leads because it is home to Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, and a cluster of defense and technology contractors, while Los Alamos is driven almost entirely by Los Alamos National Laboratory and its affiliated programs, and Santa Fe draws positions through state government agencies and policy-oriented research organizations.
Are there remote research intern jobs in New Mexico?
Yes, but they're relatively uncommon because research intern work frequently requires hands-on lab work, equipment access, or on-site collaboration with a research team. About 16% of research intern openings tied to New Mexico are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with those roles concentrated in data analysis, literature review, and computational or modeling work that does not depend on physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a research intern in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to undergraduate research programs at New Mexico State University, the University of New Mexico, or New Mexico Tech, all of which run structured programs pairing students with faculty researchers regardless of prior lab experience. Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory also offer formal internship programs for students at all levels. Adjacent roles like lab technician assistant or data entry positions at research centers can open the door, and a strong academic record with relevant coursework gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to research intern jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to research intern jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Search the listings for roles that match your field and experience level and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 48 Research Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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