Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program - Boulder, CO (STEM Fields)

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Boulder, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks undergraduate students for its Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program in Boulder, Colorado. Fellows work in person on a research project under the guidance of a mentor in a participating NIST laboratory. The program offers research experience with NIST scientists and engineers, exposure to cutting-edge research, and opportunities to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), public service, and advanced study.

Participating Boulder laboratories include the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), and Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML). Applicants must identify first through fourth choice projects; applications are considered primarily for the first through third choices. All students must work on the NIST campus in Boulder for the full appointment. Program activities include orientation, research work with a mentor, a seminar series, a mid-program research abstract, and an oral presentation during the final week.

The program requires a commitment of eleven continuous weeks, or at least nine full weeks Monday through Friday, during the summer. Due to the program’s short duration, participants are not eligible for paid time off and do not earn benefits.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident and provide acceptable proof of status; a birth certificate, current passport, or unexpired green card is required. A driver's license or state identification is not acceptable for this requirement.
• 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 as a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking 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 are acceptable.
• Submit all application materials by the announcement closing date.
• Commit to eleven continuous full weeks, or a minimum of nine full weeks Monday through Friday, during the summer.
• Complete a background investigation suitability check if selected.

Nice To Haves

• Strong computer and laboratory skills.
• High motivation and a positive, inquisitive workplace demeanor.
• Interest in technical research in a federal laboratory in Boulder, Colorado.
• Interest in pursuing a STEM graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.).
• A STEM undergraduate major, including fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, or physics, with rigorous academic coursework appropriate to the student’s grade level.
• Good academic standing; a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with a research mentor on a designated project in a participating NIST laboratory.
• Attend program orientation.
• 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 Boulder, Colorado, for the entire appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed