Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) (Volunteer)

Summary 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, and Boulder, CO. Learn more at https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship. Duties 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, or Boulder, CO, 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 SHIP participants are invited and strongly encouraged to Attend a technical seminar series Participate in professional development and other group activities Requirements Conditions of employment 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 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:  A high level of motivation and a positive inquisitive workplace demeanor Interest in conducting technical research in a federal laboratory in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO Ability to commit to eleven (7) continuous weeks (Monday through Friday) during the summer Education Currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior (at time of application) at an accredited high school Unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale Submit all materials by the closing date of the announcement Additional information 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 A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. SHIP participants do not earn benefits. SHIP is a student volunteer program. It does not confer any employment status. During their tenure at NIST, students will not be paid, and must provide their own housing and transportation.  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.