What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Intern position at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)?
The Communications Intern will serve a critical role in enhancing the Communications Department’s ability to promote NSTX-U’s successful launch, celebrate the Lab’s 75th anniversary, and strengthen internal communications and engagement – key priorities for fiscal year 2026. As the Lab’s chief vision and voice officer, the Communications Department seeks to enhance and advance the Lab’s global reputation while building and maintaining a consistent, recognizable brand. The Communications Intern will contribute key deliverables to realize this mission and support further development of templates and tools for the team to efficiently create compelling content for external and internal communications campaigns. With a summer intern, the Communications Department will gain additional leverage to deliver on its goals for the fiscal year.
The Communications Intern will gain hands-on experience with a variety of communications platforms and tools, while building knowledge of how to effectively translate complex scientific information for specific audiences. The intern will also gain exposure to project management and learn how to align communications tasks with greater communications and organizational strategy while interacting with a fast-paced and multifaceted team. This opportunity offers the ability to develop written, visual, and multimedia content to build a diverse communications portfolio while learning about strategic communications at a national laboratory.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking a creative communications intern to support the Communications Department. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across multiple media formats, bringing visual and written storytelling to life.
The intern will contribute to a variety of communications products that share PPPL’s mission with internal and external audiences. This includes creating written and visual content for social media and digital displays, developing visually engaging templates and communication materials, assisting with multimedia projects and supporting the organization of communications systems.
The ideal candidate is a versatile creative who is comforting combining writing, multimedia and design skills. They should be interested in exploring different ways to communicate complex scientific work through compelling visuals, graphics, written content and digital media.
Working alongside the communications team, the intern will gain hands-on experience across communications platforms. This role provides an opportunity to develop a diverse communications portfolio while learning about strategic communications at a national laboratory.
A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!
Responsibilities
Core Duties:
Under the guidance of communications staff, the intern’s duties could include, but are not limited to:
Education and Experience:
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
Standard Weekly Hours
40.00
Eligible for Overtime
Yes
Benefits Eligible
No
Probationary Period
N/A
Essential Services Personnel (see Policy For Detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver's License Required
No
Salary Range
$16.25 Minimum Hourly Rate
The Communications Intern will gain hands-on experience with a variety of communications platforms and tools, while building knowledge of how to effectively translate complex scientific information for specific audiences. The intern will also gain exposure to project management and learn how to align communications tasks with greater communications and organizational strategy while interacting with a fast-paced and multifaceted team. This opportunity offers the ability to develop written, visual, and multimedia content to build a diverse communications portfolio while learning about strategic communications at a national laboratory.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking a creative communications intern to support the Communications Department. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across multiple media formats, bringing visual and written storytelling to life.
The intern will contribute to a variety of communications products that share PPPL’s mission with internal and external audiences. This includes creating written and visual content for social media and digital displays, developing visually engaging templates and communication materials, assisting with multimedia projects and supporting the organization of communications systems.
The ideal candidate is a versatile creative who is comforting combining writing, multimedia and design skills. They should be interested in exploring different ways to communicate complex scientific work through compelling visuals, graphics, written content and digital media.
Working alongside the communications team, the intern will gain hands-on experience across communications platforms. This role provides an opportunity to develop a diverse communications portfolio while learning about strategic communications at a national laboratory.
A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!
Responsibilities
Core Duties:
Under the guidance of communications staff, the intern’s duties could include, but are not limited to:
- Creating written content and visual assets for social media and web platforms.
- Designing templates and graphics for newsletters, digital displays and internal communications.
- Assisting with video and audio production.
- Supporting the development of multimedia storytelling efforts.
- Creating infographics or other visual explainers.
- Helping produce communications materials that translate scientific work for broader audiences.
- Supporting other communications initiatives as needed.
Education and Experience:
- Undergraduate student.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Express.
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms, like MailChimp.
- Experience using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
- Familiarity with Drupal (website content management) a plus.
- True team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
- On-site.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
Standard Weekly Hours
40.00
Eligible for Overtime
Yes
Benefits Eligible
No
Probationary Period
N/A
Essential Services Personnel (see Policy For Detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver's License Required
No
Salary Range
$16.25 Minimum Hourly Rate
Salary : $16