NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI)

About the Role

Great Internship opportunity for undergraduate students only. The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Education, Engagement and Early Career Development (EdEC) seeks undergraduate Earth system science students to intern in the 2027 NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI). The 2027 NESSI program runs for 11 weeks, from May 17 to July 30, 2027. Interns work with NSF NCAR scientists to conduct research across NSF NCAR labs on a wide range of topics, including atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, and solar & space physics. Beyond core geosciences, NSF NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to bring other fields to bear on substantial problems in climate, weather, and related disciplines. Thus, there is also significant opportunity for projects in data science, social science, and science education. Research projects will be defined by student interest and the ability to pair the student with a mentor working in a similar field or topic.

Eligibility Requirements

• Quarter-system students are not eligible.
• Undergraduate students only.
• Must be a sophomore or above (must have completed at least one full academic year of college coursework); freshmen are not eligible.
• Must have some basic research and programming experience.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale).
• Must be available full-time (40 hours per week), arrive in Boulder by May 16, and attend on-site daily.

Key Responsibilities

• Research: Conduct research in any NSF NCAR lab(s) on a wide range of topics including atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, and solar & space physics. Opportunities exist in data science, social science, and science education.
• Reports and Presentations: Prepare an oral and poster presentation of work at the end of the summer program.
• Community and Professional Behavior: Conduct oneself in a manner appropriate to a professional environment and adhere to UCAR’s Code of Conduct. Fully participate during normal office hours, NESSI functions, and while on travel.

Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in sophomore year or above in an accredited US university or college with a major/concentration in:
• Earth System Science
• Atmospheric Science
• Computer Science
• Social Science
• Engineering
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Geography
• Completed the equivalent of at least one year of college coursework.
• Some basic research and programming experience.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge, through coursework, of Earth system science concepts.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs.
• Ability to work with a variety of staff members.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work full-time, on-site (40 hours per week) during the entire 11-week summer program.
• Ability to interact with mentors and peers to support collaboration and inquiry.
• Working knowledge of basic office and communication software (e.g., G+ suite, email clients).
• Ability and willingness to work within guidelines and policies of the organization and assigned workgroups.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter (must not exceed two pages).

• Resume.

• Unofficial transcript(s).

• Questionnaire.

• Cover letter must be single-spaced, use standard one-inch margins, and have a font size of no smaller than 11 points.

• AI tools are permitted, but primarily original work is strongly encouraged.

Hiring Range: $23.41

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.