2027 NSF SOARS First-Year Protege

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research • Boulder, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

UCAR’s U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program supporting research, mentoring, and community in atmospheric and Earth system sciences. The summer research experience offers original scientific research, writing and presentations, seminars, and peer and community mentoring. Proteges may participate for up to four summers. The program provides financial support for summer research and conference travel and welcomes students from a range of STEM disciplines who are interested in understanding Earth’s atmosphere and pursuing careers in atmospheric or related sciences.

During this 11-week internship, Proteges conduct research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, Colorado. They work with research and writing mentors, attend training workshops, complete writing assignments, meet project deadlines, and produce scientific presentations and written research materials. Proteges co-develop a summer work plan with their mentor team, communicate and collaborate with mentors and peers, and participate in program events, seminars, and community activities. Optional opportunities include presenting research at a national scientific conference, contributing to outreach, and participating in future alumni events. Housing accommodations and round-trip travel to Boulder are provided. The internship runs from May 17, 2027, through July 30, 2027. The listed stipend is $23.41 per hour, up to $936.40 per week, and is untaxed; recipients will need to file a 1099 for personal tax reporting.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or associate’s degree program and have completed at least one year of undergraduate study.
• Have at least one semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the initial summer program; bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible.
• Working toward an academic major in atmospheric science or a related field, such as geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences.
• Have an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines.
• Possess some college science and mathematics coursework.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should address the circumstances in their research essay.
• Be willing to contribute to the NSF SOARS mission.
• Have an interest in expanding knowledge in Earth system sciences or related fields.
• Have the ability or potential to lead and collaborate with peers and mentors.
• Have the desire or potential to excel in a STEM career.
• Meet the program’s work authorization requirement: be a current U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3).
• Submit the required application materials, including unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three essays, and contact information for two recommenders; at least one recommender must be a faculty member or professor.

Nice To Haves

• Community college students and associate’s degree holders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
• Optional participation in a national scientific conference and NSF SOARS outreach.
• Optional participation in future networking and mentoring events as a program alum.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or a partnering organization in Boulder, Colorado.
• Collaborate with research and writing mentors to advance a research project.
• Participate in workshops covering 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.
• Co-create and maintain a summer work plan with the mentor team.
• Take initiative in organizing and leading mentor team meetings.
• Communicate regularly with mentors and actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
• Contribute ideas, insights, and collaboration to the mentor team and cohort.
• Help maintain a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers.
• Participate in NSF SOARS events and activities, including technical and career development seminars.
• Uphold the UCAR Participant Code of Conduct.
• Optionally present research at a national scientific conference and contribute to NSF SOARS outreach.
• Optionally participate in future networking and mentoring events as a program alum.

Benefits

• Untaxed stipend of $23.41 per hour, up to $936.40 per week.
• Housing accommodations for the internship.
• Round-trip travel to Boulder, Colorado.
• Funded travel to a national scientific conference, if the protege elects to present research there.

What This Job Offers

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