Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program - Gaithersburg, MD (Physical Science)

Job Description

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-2026-0002). Applicants may apply to both vacancies and use the same documents for all applications. Learn more at https://www.nist.gov/surf.

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 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.

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. 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 3 days after the vacancy closes. 3. Resume that 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 they 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 starting the application process.

Department Information

Agency

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Department

Department of Commerce

Location

Gaithersburg, Maryland, Maryland, United States