Gamma Computed Tomography Intern - Summer 2027

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking an intern to support the development and evaluation of gamma-ray computed tomography (CT) methods for nuclear fuel examination. Using fission-product source distributions provided by the INL research team, you will develop Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations representative of INL's Gamma CT instruments and generate simulated projection data (sinograms) for selected source distributions and instrument geometries.

Because these imaging systems have low geometric efficiency, you will also implement and evaluate variance-reduction methods, including importance sampling, to improve computational efficiency while maintaining accurate results. Using the simulated projection data, you will apply image-reconstruction algorithms and evaluate image quality using quantitative metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). You will also investigate how acquisition parameters including the number of angular projections, detector dwell time, and filtering methods affect reconstruction quality.

This project will provide hands-on experience in Monte Carlo radiation transport, gamma-ray imaging, computed tomography, image reconstruction, and quantitative image-quality analysis.

This team works a 4x10 schedule onsite at our Materials and Fuels Complex campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability. You may be eligible for course credit for this internship.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time in a PhD program at an ABET-accredited college/university studying Nuclear Engineering
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Must have previously completed a BEA internship within the MFC Reactors and Chief Technologist Group 
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MCNP, SCALE, or ADVANTG

Compensation

• PhD Internships ($36.83/hour - $41.29/hour)

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.