Summer High-school Intern Program (SHIP)

About the Role

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks current high school juniors and seniors for the Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP). This is for in-person volunteer fellowships in Gaithersburg, MD. The program provides research opportunities to work with NIST scientists and engineers, exposing students to cutting-edge research and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

SHIP offers students the 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

Research Areas & Participating Laboratories

NIST welcomes students interested 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
• Statistics

Students will work under the guidance of a research mentor in one of the following participating laboratories:

• 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)

Applicants must select a first-choice host laboratory for placement consideration.

Key Responsibilities

All students must work in person at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD, for the entire appointment. While duties 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
• Attend a closing celebration on the last day of the program

SHIP participants are also invited and strongly encouraged to:

• Attend a technical seminar series
• Participate in professional development and other group activities

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
• Ability to commit to eleven (7) continuous weeks (Monday through Friday) during the summer