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

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

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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 STEM. The program offers 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 daily operations and working environment of a premier federal laboratory, and imagine yourself in the NIST Laboratories.

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)
• Technology Partnerships Office (TPO)
• Special Programs Office (SPO)
• Standards Coordination Office (SCO)
• Public Affairs Office (PAO)

As part of the application process, applicants must identify and select first and second-choice host laboratories/offices for placement consideration. 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

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.

Seniority level:
Internship.

Employment type:

Full‑time. Job function:
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology. Industries:
Research Services.