Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Undergraduate Research Associate - Summer 2026

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## Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Undergraduate Research Associate - Summer 2026

** Entry Level | ** Full-time

** Students | ** Livermore, CA | ** 12/01/2025

**Reference #:** REF7692C

**Job Code:** 705.1 Under Grad Student

**Organization:** Office of the Director

**Position Type:** Student Intern

**Security Clearance:** Either no clearance, DOE L or Q clearance depending on assignment. Clearances require U.S. citizenship and a background investigation. Uncleared positions over 179 days may require an investigation.

**Drug Test:** Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)

**Medical Exam:** Not applicable

Apply Now  **

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## Company Description

**Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!**

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

**Pay Range**

$22.80 - $31.00 Hourly

This position is under a step structure.  Please note that the step is determined by your academic level. Transcripts are required.

## Job Description

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to bring together experts from the science, technology, and policy communities to address pressing national security challenges. For over 20 years, CGSR has engaged diverse perspectives on topics important to national security, deterrence, diplomacy, dual-use technology, arms control, nonproliferation, space, cyber, biosecurity, and energy security.

We have openings in Summer 2026 for undergraduate students to engage in practical research on global security topics. Students will work with CGSR over the duration of three to four months as a research associate (RA). RAs will engage in practical research to further their educational and career goals, while also supporting the development of strategies for national security and LLNL’s mission focus areas. Examples of relevant fields of research include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological & chemical security, and energy security.

CGSR’s objectives are as follows:
To explore the dynamics of potential 21st century strategic conflicts (i.e., those with a potential nuclear aspect) and to formulate ideas about how to achieve U.S. deterrence and other objectives in such conflicts.
• To explore the sources and characteristics of strategic competition in the emerging security environment and to formulate organizing concepts to enhance the competitive position of the United States and its allies and partners over the long term.
• To identify whether and how technically based approaches can address new challenges to national and international security.
• To catalyze broader national and international thinking about the requirements of effective deterrence, assurance, and strategic stability in a changed and changing security environment.
• To assist in the development of new generations of experts motivated by a clear view of the changed and changing security environment.
More information on CGSR, its research focus areas, and its publications can be found at https://cgsr.llnl.gov/.

This job will be closed to applicants on February 1, 2026.

**In this role you will:**

• Conduct an independent research project on an agreed upon topic aligned with CGSR/LLNL research priorities under the supervision of CGSR staff. 
• Support CGSR/LLNL through contributions to ongoing research activities. Tasks may include contributing to literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
• Attend relevant research seminars, speakers’ series, and workshops.
• Present research to LLNL staff at end of the assignment.
• Prepare end-of-assignment technical report or publication.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

## Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or have completed AA/AS degree in a field of research aligned with CGSR analytic priorities. Areas of study include international relations and/or security, political science, economics, public policy, emerging technologies, nonproliferation, energy, biosecurity, foreign language studies, or related fields.
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement in a relevant field of research aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
• Strong record of independent research and publication, or a strong proposal of research to be done while at CGSR and in future academic and professional settings.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

## Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

**Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?**

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

**Security Clearance**

This position requires either no security clearance, or a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level or Q-level clearance depending on the particular assignment.  

If you are selected and a security clearance is required, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  L and Q-level clearances require U.S. citizenship.  

If no security clearance is required, but your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

**National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)**

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

**Pre-Employment Drug Test**

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

**Wireless and Medical Devices**

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, ...

## For Current Employees

Search internal jobs

• Home

• Find Your Job

• Career Areas

• Students

• Postdocs

• Events & Resources

•

More

## Keyword Search

*

Go!

More Filters

* Back to open positions

## Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Undergraduate Research Associate - Summer 2026

** Entry Level | ** Full-time

** Students | ** Livermore, CA | ** 12/01/2025

**Reference #:** REF7692C

**Job Code:** 705.1 Under Grad Student

**Organization:** Office of the Director

**Position Type:** Student Intern

**Security Clearance:** Either no clearance, DOE L or Q clearance depending on assignment. Clearances require U.S. citizenship and a background investigation. Uncleared positions over 179 days may require an investigation.

**Drug Test:** Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)

**Medical Exam:** Not applicable

Apply Now  **

**Share this job**

•

**Refer a friend**
Submit a referral

**Get more jobs**

## Company Description

**Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!**

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

**Pay Range**

$22.80 - $31.00 Hourly

This position is under a step structure.  Please note that the step is determined by your academic level. Transcripts are required.

## Job Description

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to bring together experts from the science, technology, and policy communities to address pressing national security challenges. For over 20 years, CGSR has engaged diverse perspectives on topics important to national security, deterrence, diplomacy, dual-use technology, arms control, nonproliferation, space, cyber, biosecurity, and energy security.

We have openings in Summer 2026 for undergraduate students to engage in practical research on global security topics. Students will work with CGSR over the duration of three to four months as a research associate (RA). RAs will engage in practical research to further their educational and career goals, while also supporting the development of strategies for national security and LLNL’s mission focus areas. Examples of relevant fields of research include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological & chemical security, and energy security.

CGSR’s objectives are as follows:
To explore the dynamics of potential 21st century strategic conflicts (i.e., those with a potential nuclear aspect) and to formulate ideas about how to achieve U.S. deterrence and other objectives in such conflicts.
• To explore the sources and characteristics of strategic competition in the emerging security environment and to formulate organizing concepts to enhance the competitive position of the United States and its allies and partners over the long term.
• To identify whether and how technically based approaches can address new challenges to national and international security.
• To catalyze broader national and international thinking about the requirements of effective deterrence, assurance, and strategic stability in a changed and changing security environment.
• To assist in the development of new generations of experts motivated by a clear view of the changed and changing security environment.
More information on CGSR, its research focus areas, and its publications can be found at https://cgsr.llnl.gov/.

This job will be closed to applicants on February 1, 2026.

**In this role you will:**

• Conduct an independent research project on an agreed upon topic aligned with CGSR/LLNL research priorities under the supervision of CGSR staff. 
• Support CGSR/LLNL through contributions to ongoing research activities. Tasks may include contributing to literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
• Attend relevant research seminars, speakers’ series, and workshops.
• Present research to LLNL staff at end of the assignment.
• Prepare end-of-assignment technical report or publication.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

## Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or have completed AA/AS degree in a field of research aligned with CGSR analytic priorities. Areas of study include international relations and/or security, political science, economics, public policy, emerging technologies, nonproliferation, energy, biosecurity, foreign language studies, or related fields.
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement in a relevant field of research aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
• Strong record of independent research and publication, or a strong proposal of research to be done while at CGSR and in future academic and professional settings.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

## Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

**Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?**

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

**Security Clearance**

This position requires either no security clearance, or a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level or Q-level clearance depending on the particular assignment.  

If you are selected and a security clearance is required, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  L and Q-level clearances require U.S. citizenship.  

If no security clearance is required, but your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

**National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)**

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

**Pre-Employment Drug Test**

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

**Wireless and Medical Devices**

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, ...