Application Guide

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

at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

🏢 About Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a premier national security laboratory that tackles some of the world's most pressing challenges through cutting-edge science and technology. What makes LLNL unique is its mission-driven culture focused on strengthening U.S. security while fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful national security research alongside world-class scientists and researchers in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment.

About This Role

As a CGSR Undergraduate Research Associate, you'll contribute to research on global security challenges at one of the nation's leading national security laboratories. This role involves supporting senior researchers in analyzing security policy, nuclear nonproliferation, emerging technologies, or geopolitical threats, providing hands-on experience with real-world security research. The impact comes from contributing to research that informs U.S. policy decisions and national security strategies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve attending research team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, conducting literature reviews on specific security topics, analyzing data or policy documents, and drafting research memos or presentations. You'd likely collaborate with senior researchers, participate in CGSR seminars or workshops, and contribute to research products that inform national security discussions, all while working within the laboratory's secure research environment.

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🎯 Who Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Is Looking For

  • Current undergraduate student with strong academic performance in political science, international relations, security studies, or related fields
  • Demonstrated interest in global security issues through coursework, research projects, or extracurricular activities
  • U.S. citizen (required for security clearance eligibility) with ability to pass background investigation
  • Strong analytical and research skills with ability to synthesize complex information and communicate findings clearly

📝 Tips for Applying to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

1

Highlight any coursework or projects related to nuclear security, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, or geopolitical analysis in your resume

2

Emphasize your U.S. citizenship status early in your application materials since clearance requirements are critical for this role

3

Reference specific CGSR research areas or publications in your cover letter to show genuine interest in their work

4

Demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive information responsibly by mentioning any previous security training or experience

5

Apply well before the December 1, 2025 deadline as LLNL positions often have rolling review processes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in CGSR's research areas (check their recent publications on LLNL website)", 'How your academic background prepares you for analyzing complex global security issues', "Your understanding of the national security mission and why LLNL's work matters", 'Any relevant research experience or analytical projects that demonstrate your capabilities']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent CGSR publications and research focus areas on the LLNL website
  • → LLNL's mission and how CGSR fits within the broader laboratory structure
  • → Current U.S. national security priorities and policy debates
  • → The specific security clearance process and requirements for DOE positions

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of current global security challenges and how CGSR's research addresses them
2 Specific examples of your analytical or research skills from academic projects
3 Questions about handling sensitive information and working in a secure environment
4 Your long-term career interests in national security or policy research
5 How you would approach a research problem related to nuclear nonproliferation or emerging technologies
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to address U.S. citizenship status or clearance requirements in your application
  • Using generic language about 'wanting to help people' instead of demonstrating specific interest in national security research
  • Not researching CGSR's specific work and mentioning only general interest in 'research' or 'policy'
  • Submitting materials with formatting errors or not following application instructions precisely

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory!

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