Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program - Gaithersburg, MD (STEM and Related Fields)

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Gaithersburg, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks undergraduate students for in-person Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. Students work under the guidance of a research mentor in a participating laboratory or program office on a designated research project. The program provides exposure to cutting-edge research and opportunities to gain career experience, develop leadership, management, and analytical skills, learn about public service, build professional networks, and observe the operations and working environment of a federal laboratory. The program is intended to encourage advanced study and careers in STEM fields.

Participating units include the Communications Technology Laboratory, Engineering Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory, Material Measurement Laboratory in partnership with the NIST Center for Neutron Research, and Physical Measurement Laboratory. Other offices may occasionally host participants. Applicants identify first- and second-choice host laboratories or offices; applications are considered primarily by the first-choice host. Students must work at the Gaithersburg campus for the entire appointment.

All participants attend orientation and the SURF seminar series, work with a mentor on a research project, submit a mid-program abstract summarizing their research accomplishments, and deliver an oral presentation during the final week. Students must be able to commit to eleven continuous weeks, or at least nine full weeks, Monday through Friday, during the summer. Because the program is short, participants are not eligible for paid time off.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident and provide acceptable proof of status; a driver's license or state identification is not acceptable for this purpose.
• Provide proof of health insurance.
• Be at least 18 years old by June 2, 2027.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Receive payments by direct deposit.
• Be currently enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking undergraduate student (first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior) at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
• Provide transcripts or other documentation supporting educational claims; unless otherwise stated, unofficial transcripts showing current enrollment status are acceptable.
• Submit all required materials by the announcement closing date.
• Commit to eleven continuous weeks, or a minimum of nine full weeks, Monday through Friday, during the summer.
• If male and born after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Be committed to improving federal government efficiency, the ideals of the American republic, and upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• Strong computer and laboratory skills.
• High motivation and a positive, inquisitive workplace demeanor.
• Interest in conducting technical research in a federal laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
• Interest in pursuing a STEM graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.).
• An undergraduate major in a STEM discipline, including biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering (including nuclear), materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, or physics, with coursework relevant to the student's grade level.
• Good academic standing; a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend program orientation.
• Work with a research mentor on a designated project.
• Attend the SURF seminar series.
• Compose and submit an abstract halfway through the program summarizing research accomplishments.
• Deliver an oral presentation during the final week of the program.
• Work at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, for the entire appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern