Physical Science Student Trainee Jobs

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks current high school juniors and seniors for the Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP). This vacancy announcement is for in-person fellowships in Gaithersburg, MD. A separate application is available on USAjobs for in-person fellowships in Boulder, CO. Learn more at https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship. The SHIP program provides research opportunities for students to work with internationally known NIST scientists and engineers, to expose them to cutting-edge research and explore research careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). SHIP gives students an opportunity to: Gain substantive experience related to academic interests Learn about a career in public service Build professional relationships, contacts, and networks Observe the daily operations and working environment of a premier federal laboratory Imagine Yourself in the NIST Laboratories NIST welcomes students with interest in a broad range of STEM disciplines, including but not limited to biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron research, physics, and statistics. Students work under the guidance of a research mentor in one of the participating laboratories. The following laboratories participate in SHIP: Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) Engineering Laboratory (EL) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) As part of the application process, all applicants must select a first-choice host laboratory for placement consideration. Applicants should carefully choose host laboratories because the completed application is considered primarily by the first-choice host laboratory. Descriptions of the types of research going on at NIST can be found at www.nist.gov/careers/summer-high-school-intern-program-research. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of NIST's research, we encourage students to look through the different laboratory websites to discover interesting project areas. All students must work in person at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD, for the entire appointment. While duties and responsibilities may vary by laboratory, all students must: Work with their mentor on a designated research project Compose and submit an abstract halfway through the program summarizing their research project Create and present a poster during the final week of the program Attend a closing celebration on the last day of the program SHIP participants are invited and strongly encouraged to Attend a technical seminar series Participate in professional development and other group activities We are looking for students interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology in one of the world's leading research organizations. Additional preference will be given to students who possess the following qualities: A high level of motivation and a positive inquisitive workplace demeanor Interest in conducting technical research in a federal laboratory in Gaithersburg, MD Ability to commit to eleven (7) continuous weeks (Monday through Friday) during the summer Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be eligible for SHIP: Possess a strong interest in participating in scientific research Be able to commit to seven (7) consecutive full weeks of program dates Be a high school junior or senior at time of application Provide proof of U.S. citizenship Birth certificate or current passport is required Driver's license or state identification is NOT acceptable for this requirement Have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher Have a permanent residence within 50 miles of the host NIST campus Be able to pass a background check

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks undergraduate students for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This vacancy announcement is for in-person fellowships in Gaithersburg, MD. An additional vacancy announcement is open for in-person fellowships in Boulder, CO (vacancy #SURF-2027-0002). Applicants may apply to both vacancies and use the same documents for all applications. Learn more at https://www.nist.gov/surf. The SURF program provides research opportunities for students to work with internationally known NIST scientists and engineers, to expose them to cutting-edge research and promote the pursuit of advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). SURF gives students an opportunity to: Gain substantive career experience related to academic interests Acquire lifelong leadership, management, and analytical skills Learn about a career in public service Build professional relationships, contacts, and networks Observe the daily operations and working environment of a premier federal laboratory Imagine Yourself in the NIST Laboratories NIST welcomes students from a broad range of STEM disciplines, including but not limited to biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron research, physics, and statistics. Students work under the guidance of a research mentor in one of the participating laboratories or program offices. The following laboratories and offices participate in the SURF Gaithersburg program: Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) Engineering Laboratory (EL) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) in partnership with the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) Other offices occasionally host SURF participants: Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), Communications and Outreach Office (COO), Research Data and Computing Office (RDCO), Technology Partnerships Office (TPO), Standards Coordination Office (SCO) As part of the application process, all applicants must identify and select first and second-choice host laboratories/offices for placement consideration. Applicants should carefully choose host laboratories/offices because the completed application is considered primarily by the first-choice host laboratory. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of NIST's research, we encourage students to look through the different laboratory websites to discover interesting project areas. For example, a computer science student may find project opportunities in CTL, PML, and EL in addition to the logical choice of ITL. Similar opportunities exist for those in other disciplines. For a detailed description of SURF projects in each NIST laboratory and prior acceptance rates, students are encouraged to review laboratory descriptions and acceptance rates at https://www.nist.gov/surf/surf-gaithersburg/research-programs. All students must work at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD for the entire appointment. While duties and responsibilities may vary by laboratory, all students must: Attend Orientation Work with their mentor on a designated research 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 We are looking for students interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology in one of the world's leading research organizations. Additional preference will be given to students who possess the following qualities: Strong computer and laboratory skills A high level of motivation and a positive inquisitive workplace demeanor Interest in conducting technical research in a federal laboratory in Gaithersburg, MD Interest in pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) Ability to commit to eleven (11) continuous weeks, or a minimum of nine (9) full weeks (Monday through Friday) during the summer; due to the short length of the program, students are not eligible for paid time off. Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be eligible for a fellowship: Provide proof that they are a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident Birth certificate, current passport or unexpired green card is required Driver's license or state identification is NOT acceptable for this requirement Provide proof of health insurance At least 18 years of age by June 2, 2027 Able to pass a background check Receive payments by direct deposit