2026 NSF SOARS Returning Protege
About The Position
UCAR is excited to announce the application opening of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program for Returning Proteges. NSF SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program designed to promote and support research, mentoring, and community in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences (ESS). The summer research experience includes opportunities to engage in original scientific research, written reports and presentations, seminars, as well as peer and community mentoring. NSF SOARS Proteges can participate for up to four summers conducting research in atmospheric and ESS. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research, and conference travel. NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including but not limited to: chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences -- to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. The NSF SOARS program offers support for all students to achieve success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to actively contribute to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in this country.
Requirements
- Must have previously participated as an NSF SOARS Protege
- Currently enrolled in a degree granting institution
- Working toward an academic degree in atmospheric science or a related field, (e.g. geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences) and an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. If you are not in good academic standing, please address the circumstances in your essay.
- Willingness to contribute to the NSF SOARS mission (please see soars.ucar.edu for more details)
- Interest and desire to expand knowledge in the Earth system sciences or related fields.
- Ability/potential to lead and collaborate with a group of peers and mentors.
- Desire/potential to excel in a STEM career.
Responsibilities
- Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, CO.
- Collaborate closely with research and writing mentors to advance your project.
- Participate in training workshops on scientific writing, data science, communication, leadership, and professional skills.
- Complete weekly writing assignments and meet project deadlines.
- Develop and deliver two scientific presentations, a research poster, a research paper, and an abstract by the end of the program.
- (Optional) Present your research at a national scientific conference and contribute to NSF SOARS outreach. Conference travel is funded and may occur during the academic year.
- Co-create and maintain a summer work plan with your mentor team.
- Take initiative in organizing and leading mentor team meetings.
- Communicate regularly with mentors and actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
- Contribute to your mentor team and cohort by offering insights, ideas, and collaboration.
- Actively contribute to a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers.
- Participate fully in NSF SOARS events and/or activities with occasional social events occurring outside of standard work hours, as well as funded travel opportunities.
- Engage in technical and career development seminars with peers and scientists.
Benefits
- NSF SOARS Proteges will receive housing accommodations and round-trip travel to Boulder, CO for this internship.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
