NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI)

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)•Boulder, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Education, Engagement and Early Career Development (EdEC) seeks undergraduate Earth system science students for the 2027 NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI). The 11-week program runs from May 17 to July 30, 2027. Interns work with NSF NCAR scientists on research in NCAR laboratories, with projects matched to student interests and the availability of a mentor in a related field. Research may cover atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, solar and space physics, data science, social science, and science education, among other areas related to climate, weather, and Earth system science. Interns prepare an oral presentation and a poster about their work at the end of the summer program, presented in person or virtually to scientists, staff, and peers. They join the wider UCAR and NSF NCAR summer intern community, follow UCAR’s Code of Conduct, and are expected to participate during normal office hours, NESSI events, and internship travel. The position requires full-time, on-site attendance in Boulder for the entire program; participants must arrive by May 16. Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students in their sophomore year or above at an accredited U.S. college or university, with a major or concentration in a listed discipline. Applicants must have basic research and programming experience and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 5.0 scale. Students at quarter-system institutions, freshmen, and graduate students are not eligible. Required application materials include a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a completed questionnaire.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate sophomore or above at an accredited U.S. university or college; graduate students and freshmen are ineligible.
Have a major or concentration in Earth System Science, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Social Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Geography.
Have completed the equivalent of at least one year of college coursework.
Have some basic research and programming experience.
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 5.0 scale.
Have basic coursework knowledge of Earth system science concepts.
Have good problem-solving skills and the ability and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs.
Be able to work with a variety of staff members and interact with mentors and peers in a collaborative, inquiry-supporting manner.
Have good oral and written communication skills.
Be able and willing to work full-time on-site, 40 hours per week, for the entire 11-week summer program, and arrive in Boulder by May 16.
Have working knowledge of basic office and communication software, such as G+ suite and email clients.
Be able and willing to follow organizational and workgroup guidelines and policies.
Submit a cover letter of no more than two pages, a resume, unofficial transcript(s), and a completed questionnaire by the deadline.

Responsibilities

Conduct research with NSF NCAR scientists in an assigned lab or labs, with projects matched to student interests and mentor availability.
Prepare an oral presentation and a poster about internship research and present them to scientists, staff, and peers at the end of the program.
Participate fully during normal office hours, NESSI functions, and internship travel.
Conduct oneself professionally, follow UCAR’s Code of Conduct, and contribute to a collaborative intern community.