Summer Research Assistant, Simons-NSBP Scholar

Summer Research Assistant, Simons‑NSBP Scholar

Apply for the Summer Research Assistant, Simons‑NSBP Scholar role at the Simons Foundation.

The Simons‑NSBP Scholars Program (SNSP) is a partnership between the Simons Foundation, the Simons Observatory, and the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP). It offers undergraduate NSBP members a holistic summer research experience designed to help them become professional physicists.

• Research: Scholars work on cutting‑edge projects in areas such as gravitational‑wave modeling, cosmic‑microwave‑background sensor development, exoplanet search, quantum computing, pandemic dynamics modeling, and neural‑network design.
• Speaker Series: Weekly talks by leading physicists covering a broad range of scientific topics.
• Professional Development: Weekly workshops and panels on career advancement, graduate school applications, and coping with imposter syndrome.
• Projects are supervised by scientists from the Flatiron Institute’s specialized research centers, including Computational Astrophysics, Computational Biology, Computational Quantum Physics, Computational Neuroscience, and Computational Mathematics.

The 2026 SNSP begins June 1, 2026, runs for 11 weeks through August 14, 2026, and starts with an opening ceremony at the Simons Foundation in New York City.

Paid $20/hour on a full‑time (40‑hour week) schedule. Travel and housing expenses are covered. Scholars reside in Simons Foundation housing and receive their stipend directly from the Foundation.

• Undergraduate members of the NSBP.
• Final‑year students or those studying in departments that do not grant graduate degrees.
• Students from small schools lacking significant research infrastructure.
• NSBP membership is required; costs are roughly $25 per year and can be explored on a case‑by‑case basis.

• A one‑page personal statement with the following:
• 1 paragraph stating the center and specific research area of interest.
• 1 paragraph on future plans and how the program will help achieve them.
• 1 paragraph explaining why being a Scholar is meaningful to you.
• Any additional material you wish to include.
• Current CV or résumé.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities attended.
• Contact information for two referees who will submit letters of recommendation (letters are not due by the Final date to receive applications).

• January 15, 2026 – Final date to receive applications.
• Early March 2026 – selection notifications.

Questions can be directed to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.