Summer High-school Intern Program (SHIP) -Gaithersburg, MD (Volunteer; STEM Fields)

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Gaithersburg, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers the Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) to current high school juniors and seniors interested in scientific research. This announcement is for in-person volunteer fellowships at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Participants work with internationally known NIST scientists and engineers on research projects, gaining exposure to cutting-edge STEM research and potential research careers. Students are placed in a participating laboratory under the guidance of a research mentor. Applicants must select a first-choice host laboratory, which will primarily consider their completed application. Participating laboratories are the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Engineering Laboratory (EL), Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), and Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML). Research areas span disciplines including biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron research, physics, and statistics. All students must work in person at the Gaithersburg campus for the entire appointment. The program is a student volunteer program: participants are unpaid, receive no benefits, and must arrange their own housing and transportation. Participation does not confer employment status.

Requirements

• Be a current high school junior or senior at the time of application and enrolled at an accredited high school.
• Have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Possess a strong interest in participating in scientific research.
• Commit to seven consecutive full weeks of program dates; the posting also mentions a commitment to eleven continuous weeks, Monday through Friday, in its preference information.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship; a birth certificate or current passport is required. A driver’s license or state identification is not acceptable for this requirement.
• Have a permanent residence within 50 miles of the host NIST campus.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Submit all application materials by the announcement closing date.
• Work in person at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland for the entire appointment.

Nice To Haves

• A high level of motivation and a positive, inquisitive workplace demeanor.
• Interest in conducting technical research in a federal laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Work with a research mentor on a designated research project.
• Compose and submit an abstract halfway through the program summarizing the research project.
• Create and present a poster during the final week of the program.
• Attend a closing celebration on the final day of the program.
• Attend a technical seminar series (strongly encouraged).
• Participate in professional development and other group activities (strongly encouraged).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED