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

Summary 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. Duties 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: Technology Partnerships Office (TPO), Special Programs Office (SPO), Standards Coordination Office (SCO), Public Affairs Office (PAO) 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: 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 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 27, 2026 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 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. 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), materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, or physics with rigorous academic coursework relevant to grade level (freshman, 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/) Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits SURF participants do not earn benefits.