This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/814499800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks undergraduate students for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. The Boulder location may offer both in-person and virtual fellowships. Additional vacancies are open for fellowships in Gaithersburg, MD (vacancy #SURF-2025-0001) and Charleston, SC (vacancy #SURF-2025-0003). Applicants may apply to all vacancies and use the same documents for all applications. Learn more at https://www.nist.gov/surf.
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Overview
- Accepting applications
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Open & closing dates
10/17/2024 to 01/31/2025
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Salary
$6,390 - $7,810 student stipend paid
In addition to salary, a housing & travel stipend may be awarded to selected SURF participants who meet housing & travel stipend eligibility criteria.
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Pay scale & grade
ZP 0
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Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—SURF participants working on in-person projects are required to be on campus at least three days per week. The mentor or co-mentor is required to be on campus when the SURF participant is on campus. Specific schedules are determined by the mentor, and must adhere to agency guidelines. Agency guidelines are subject to change. SURF participants working on virual projects will work remotely for the entire fellowship and won't have authorization to be on campus.
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Travel Required
Not required
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Internships - This is a continuous 11-week appointment scheduled May 19 to Aug 1, 2025. A June 2 start and some 9-week appts are available to accommodate specific academic schedules (quarter systems). Students are guest researchers and not federal employees.
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Work schedule
Full-time - Students work 8 hrs daily, M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm, or daily start & end times as agreed upon w their mentor. Students are not eligible for paid time off. For unavoidable absences, flexible hours (such as 4 ten-hour days) are allowed w mentor pre-approval
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
0 - Grade 0
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Announcement number
SURF-2025-0002
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Control number
814499800
Help
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Students
Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
Clarification from the agency
Current full-time undergraduate (first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior) degree-seeking students enrolled at accredited 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Note: First-year and graduating seniors (defined as seniors participating in the Winter or Spring Commencement) are encouraged to apply to the program.
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Duties
The SURF program provides research opportunities for students to work with internationally known NIST scientists, 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 seeks 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 NIST Operating Units (OUs). The following OUs participate in the SURF Boulder program:
- Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL)
- Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)
- Material Measurement Laboratory (MML)
- Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML)
As part of the application process, all applicants must identify and select first through fourth choice projects for placement consideration. Applicants should carefully choose projects because the completed application is considered primarily for first through third choice projects.
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 MML 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/iaao/surf-program-research-opportunities-boulder-colorado.
For in-person fellowships, all students must work at the NIST campus in Boulder, CO for the entire appointment. For virtual fellowships, all students must work remotely for the entire appointment.
While duties and responsibilities may vary by laboratory, all students must, in a format (in-person or virtual) consistent with their fellowship:
- Work with their mentor on a designated research project
- Attend a technical seminar series
- Participate in professional development and group activities
- Compose and submit an abstract halfway through the program summarizing research accomplishments
- Deliver an oral presentation during the final week of the program
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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 or 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 May 19, 2025
- Able to pass a background check
- Receive payments by direct deposit
Qualifications
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 Boulder, Colorado, or virtually
- Interest in pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.)
- Ability to commit to eleven (11) full 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.
Additionally, we encourage applications from groups underrepresented in STEM, including those who self-identify as a woman, African American, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, a person with a disability, and/or LGBTQI+. We also consider the impact participating in SURF will have on an applicant's future career in research.
Education
- Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior) degree-seeking student at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in the U.S. or U.S. territories
- Strongly preferred to be an undergraduate majoring in a STEM discipline including but not limited to biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering (including nuclear), geology, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, or physics with rigorous academic coursework relevant to grade level (first-year, sophomore, junior, senior)
- Good academic standing (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale preferred)
- You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated, unofficial transcripts that display current enrollment status are acceptable
- Submit all materials by the closing date of the announcement
Additional information
- If selected, you are required to complete a background investigation suitability check
- Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/)
Benefits
SURF participants do not earn benefits.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, your questionnaire responses and supporting documents will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in this announcement. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your questionnaire responses and supporting documents will be forwarded to a review committee for additional review. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Note: The number of offers to participate in the program is contingent upon the availability of funds and projects in the host laboratories.
Your qualifications will also be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Fit of the undergraduate student’s stated interest and commitment to priorities and objectives of NIST and the SURF program
- Fit of the undergraduate student’s interests and abilities to the available NIST research projects and when appropriate, to the research priorities of NIST scientists and engineers in the specified laboratory program
- Relevance of the student’s course of study to the program objectives of the specified NIST laboratory in which that SURF program resides
- Evaluation of academic accomplishments. Note: A cumulative minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended for all completed courses taken as an undergraduate student at the current institution and at any institutions attended as an undergraduate student during the 5 years preceding the start of the most recent enrollment (This does not include college or university courses taken while solely a high school student.)
- Quality of accomplishments to date
- Assessment of whether the laboratory experience is an opportunity for the student which may encourage future postgraduate training, especially if the applicant has not had a similar opportunity previously
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
SURF participants do not earn benefits.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Your application must include (NOTE: Items 3-7 must be uploaded through the documents selection section. PDF is the preferred format for all submitted documents.):
1. Responses to the online questions. For question #3, please refer to this link: SURF_MSI List.
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation from references, preferably professors, department heads, previous internship mentors, or academic advisers familiar with the applicant’s education, training, experience, aptitude, and promise relevant to the SURF Program. We recommend entering references' personal email addresses into the application portal to avoid firewall issues.
Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify their references through the online application system. References will receive instructions on the content of their letters and they must upload their letters via the online application module no later than 4 days after the vacancy closes.
3. Resume which includes professional and research experience. Uploaded pdf is the preferred format.
4. Undergraduate transcript. You must submit college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) showing your name, the name of your university(s), all courses completed, and cumulative GPA. Additionally, the transcript must verify proof of your enrollment. Submitted transcripts must have all Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) before uploading into the application system.
5. Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Acceptable forms of proof of U.S. Citizenship include a Certified Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth (of U.S. citizen) Abroad, or Certification of Birth; Acceptable form of U.S. permanent residency is an unexpired green card. Note: Social security cards and driver's licenses do not meet the requirements for proof of U.S. citizenship. Submitted proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency must have all Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) before uploading into the application system.
6. Proof of health insurance coverage by including a copy of a valid insurance card.
7. Personal statement: The personal statement is the opportunity for NIST staff to learn more about the student and why he/she should be selected for a fellowship in the SURF Program. Students are encouraged to compose a personal statement that includes the following:
- Commitment to participate in the program and work in a laboratory environment
- Description of relevant coursework and/or research experience
- Description of prioritized research interests
- Expectation of personal benefit from participating in the program
- Career goals
Students must submit all required documentation no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement to be considered for review. PDF is the preferred format for all submitted documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review in the SURF program. It is highly recommended you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, complete the online application and submit the documents specified in the Required Documents section of the announcement no later than the announcement closing date.
- To begin, log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new account at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
- Click Apply Online to access the online application. Follow the prompts. This vacancy does not accept resumes or uploaded documents from USAJOBS. As expected, USAJOBS will notify you that this announcement does not accept USAJOBS resumes or documents. Prompts will direct you to upload documents directly into the application system. All documents are required and must be submitted for fellowship consideration. PDF is the preferred format for all documents.
- Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
- Upon clicking submit at the end of the application process, you will receive an on-screen notification that you have successfully submitted your application. Select Return to USAJOBS to verify your updated status in the USAJOBS Applications section.
- To verify the status of your application, log in to your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, and select Track this application. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- In the status information, you can also see the status of your letters of recommendation. For example, if one letter has been received you will see “1 of 2 references received”. References have up to 4 days after the announcement closing date to submit their letters. If you notice a letter missing and it is close to the deadline, you may want to give your reference a friendly reminder. The system will also send an automated reminder 2 days before the final due date.
- To return to your saved applicationwhile the announcement is open, log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login and click Applications. Click on the position title, then select Edit my application. You may update your application at any time before the closing of the announcement.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the online application and supporting documents well before the announcement closing date.
Problems Completing Your Application
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please email surf@nist.gov.
You must complete this application and submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the announcement closing date.
Note: Paper applications will not be accepted.
Agency contact information
Cara O'Malley
- Address
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National Institute of Standards and Technology
325 Broadway
Mail Stop 671
Boulder, Colorado 80305
United States
Next steps
NIST SURF will conduct an initial review of applications received by the closing date of this announcement to determine the undergraduate student's eligibility and application completeness and will eliminate those applications determined to be ineligible, incomplete, and/or non-responsive based.
At any time between March 1, 2025, and April 15, 2025, eligible students may receive an offer (by email) for a fellowship. Students are encouraged to investigate what type of research is currently going on at NIST, and may contact potential mentors at their own discretion.
All applicants will be notified by email of their application status by April 20, 2025.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
Your application must include (NOTE: Items 3-7 must be uploaded through the documents selection section. PDF is the preferred format for all submitted documents.):
1. Responses to the online questions. For question #3, please refer to this link: SURF_MSI List.
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation from references, preferably professors, department heads, previous internship mentors, or academic advisers familiar with the applicant’s education, training, experience, aptitude, and promise relevant to the SURF Program. We recommend entering references' personal email addresses into the application portal to avoid firewall issues.
Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify their references through the online application system. References will receive instructions on the content of their letters and they must upload their letters via the online application module no later than 4 days after the vacancy closes.
3. Resume which includes professional and research experience. Uploaded pdf is the preferred format.
4. Undergraduate transcript. You must submit college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) showing your name, the name of your university(s), all courses completed, and cumulative GPA. Additionally, the transcript must verify proof of your enrollment. Submitted transcripts must have all Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) before uploading into the application system.
5. Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Acceptable forms of proof of U.S. Citizenship include a Certified Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth (of U.S. citizen) Abroad, or Certification of Birth; Acceptable form of U.S. permanent residency is an unexpired green card. Note: Social security cards and driver's licenses do not meet the requirements for proof of U.S. citizenship. Submitted proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency must have all Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) before uploading into the application system.
6. Proof of health insurance coverage by including a copy of a valid insurance card.
7. Personal statement: The personal statement is the opportunity for NIST staff to learn more about the student and why he/she should be selected for a fellowship in the SURF Program. Students are encouraged to compose a personal statement that includes the following:
- Commitment to participate in the program and work in a laboratory environment
- Description of relevant coursework and/or research experience
- Description of prioritized research interests
- Expectation of personal benefit from participating in the program
- Career goals
Students must submit all required documentation no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement to be considered for review. PDF is the preferred format for all submitted documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review in the SURF program. It is highly recommended you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
To apply for this position, complete the online application and submit the documents specified in the Required Documents section of the announcement no later than the announcement closing date.
- To begin, log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new account at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
- Click Apply Online to access the online application. Follow the prompts. This vacancy does not accept resumes or uploaded documents from USAJOBS. As expected, USAJOBS will notify you that this announcement does not accept USAJOBS resumes or documents. Prompts will direct you to upload documents directly into the application system. All documents are required and must be submitted for fellowship consideration. PDF is the preferred format for all documents.
- Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
- Upon clicking submit at the end of the application process, you will receive an on-screen notification that you have successfully submitted your application. Select Return to USAJOBS to verify your updated status in the USAJOBS Applications section.
- To verify the status of your application, log in to your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, and select Track this application. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- In the status information, you can also see the status of your letters of recommendation. For example, if one letter has been received you will see “1 of 2 references received”. References have up to 4 days after the announcement closing date to submit their letters. If you notice a letter missing and it is close to the deadline, you may want to give your reference a friendly reminder. The system will also send an automated reminder 2 days before the final due date.
- To return to your saved applicationwhile the announcement is open, log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login and click Applications. Click on the position title, then select Edit my application. You may update your application at any time before the closing of the announcement.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the online application and supporting documents well before the announcement closing date.
Problems Completing Your Application
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please email surf@nist.gov.
You must complete this application and submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the announcement closing date.
Note: Paper applications will not be accepted.
Agency contact information
Cara O'Malley
- Address
-
National Institute of Standards and Technology
325 Broadway
Mail Stop 671
Boulder, Colorado 80305
United States
Next steps
NIST SURF will conduct an initial review of applications received by the closing date of this announcement to determine the undergraduate student's eligibility and application completeness and will eliminate those applications determined to be ineligible, incomplete, and/or non-responsive based.
At any time between March 1, 2025, and April 15, 2025, eligible students may receive an offer (by email) for a fellowship. Students are encouraged to investigate what type of research is currently going on at NIST, and may contact potential mentors at their own discretion.
All applicants will be notified by email of their application status by April 20, 2025.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Agency contact information
Cara O'Malley
- Address
-
National Institute of Standards and Technology
325 Broadway
Mail Stop 671
Boulder, Colorado 80305
United States