Research Student Internships

About the Role

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Research Student Internships (RSI) Program connects students and recent graduates with researchers for educational, mission-aligned training experiences and access to premier facilities. ORNL is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, focused on addressing energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges.

Program Details

• Appointment Duration: 10-12 weeks during the Summer. Recent graduates may be eligible for a 12-month appointment.
• Work Schedule: Full-time participation is expected, with flexibility for part-time participation for students enrolled full-time in school, subject to approval.
• Appointment Dates: Typically start June 1, 2027, and end August 6, 2027. Dates may be flexible based on academic calendars or other conflicts.
• Extension Potential: Appointments may be extended based on funding, project assignment, program rules, and participant availability.
• Location: Appointments will take place virtually or on-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage in research in a professional manner.
• Coordinate a schedule that meets program requirements and expectations.
• Submit an appointment reflection by the end of the program.
• Develop a poster or PowerPoint presentation by the end of the program.
• Potential opportunities to collaborate on manuscripts and/or join conferences, poster sessions, and other presentation/publication opportunities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
• Academic Standing:
• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Must have completed at least one academic term and demonstrate full-time academic engagement by the start of the appointment.
• First-term freshmen are not eligible.
• Recent graduates (associate's, bachelor's, master's) from an accredited U.S. college or university, with degree receipt no more than two years plus 30 days prior to the appointment start.
• Veterans of the United States Armed Services who have received their DD-214 no more than four years prior to the start date.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Health Insurance: Required to have coverage for the duration of the appointment.

Disciplines

• Biology & Environment
• Energy Science
• Fusion & Fission
• Isotopes
• Physical Sciences
• National Security
• Neutron Science
• Supercomputing
• Specific disciplines listed include: Analytical Chemistry, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry (General), Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Computer, Information, and Data Sciences, Earth and Geosciences, Engineering, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Science & Engineering-related, Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Application Components

• Profile information
• Educational details (dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.)
• Relevant Experience
• Awards and honors
• Statement of Purpose (goals, experience, skills, and personal information)
• Research areas of interest
• Updated resume or CV (2-page limit, .pdf upload)
• Academic records (unofficial transcript or copy showing name, school, current classes, and GPA, .pdf upload)
• One Recommendation (submitted via Zintellect, cannot be from a family member)

Stipend & Benefits

• Stipend: Paid biweekly.
• $750 per week for undergraduate students, recent associate's graduates, or recently separated veterans.
• $850 per week for recent bachelor's graduates.
• $950 per week for graduate students or recent master's graduates.
• Housing Allowance: $250 per week.
• Travel Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 for round-trip transportation if the permanent address is more than 50 miles from ORNL.

Contingencies

• Security access approval to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Agreement with the Terms of Appointment.
• Completion of all contingencies in the offer letter.
• Subject to DOE clearance approval for laboratory access.