NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI)

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research • Boulder, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Education, Engagement and Early Career Development (EdEC) seeks undergraduate 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 projects in NCAR laboratories. Potential topics include atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, solar and space physics, data science, social science, and science education. Projects are shaped by student interests and the availability of a mentor in a related field.

Interns prepare an oral presentation and a poster about their work at the end of the summer, presented in person or virtually to scientists, staff, and peers. They join the broader UCAR and NSF NCAR summer intern community and are expected to follow UCAR’s Code of Conduct and participate professionally during office hours, NESSI activities, and internship travel.

The position is a fixed-term, casual internship. Participants must work full-time, 40 hours per week, on site for the entire program, arrive in Boulder by May 16, and attend on site daily. Applicants must be undergraduate students in their sophomore year or above at an accredited U.S. college or university, meet the stated academic and research preparation criteria, and be available for the full program. Students at quarter-system schools and graduate students are ineligible.

Requirements

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate (not a graduate student) in sophomore year or above at an accredited U.S. university or college; have completed at least one full academic year of college coursework.
• Have a major or concentration in Earth System Science, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Social Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Geography.
• Have basic research and programming experience.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 5.0 scale.
• Have basic coursework-based knowledge of Earth system science concepts.
• Have good problem-solving skills and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs.
• Be able to work with a variety of staff members and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Be available to work on site full-time, 40 hours per week, throughout the 11-week summer program; arrive in Boulder by May 16 and attend on site daily.
• Be able to interact with mentors and peers in a way that supports collaboration and inquiry.
• Have working knowledge of basic office and communication software, such as G+ Suite and email clients.
• Be willing and able to follow organizational and workgroup guidelines and policies.
• Not be enrolled at a school operating on an academic quarter calendar.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research with NSF NCAR scientists in one or more NSF NCAR laboratories.
• Work on a research project aligned with student interests and a mentor’s field or topic.
• Prepare and deliver an oral presentation and a poster about internship work at the end of the summer program.
• Participate fully during normal office hours, NESSI functions, and internship travel.
• Conduct oneself professionally, collaborate with mentors and peers, and adhere to UCAR’s Code of Conduct.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed