Research Student Internships - Spring 2027

Final date to receive applications

10/28/2026 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

ORNL-RSI-Spring-2027

10/28/2026 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Research Student Internships (RSI) Program encourages research careers in STEM fields by connecting current students and recent graduates to world‑class researchers and staff offering educational, mission‑aligned training experiences and access to premier facilities. As the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, ORNL researchers and staff are engaged in 'Solving Big Problems', increasing America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges in eight key science areas:
Biology & Environment, Energy Science, Fusion & Fission, Isotopes, Physical Sciences, National Security, Neutron Science, and Supercomputing.

• Appointments are for 16-19 weeks during the Spring, with the option for a 12-month appointment available for recent graduates.
• Participants are expected to participate full-time each week, with the option for part-time participation for students enrolled in school full‑time. Participants enrolled less than full-time may be approved for part-time appointments on a case‑by‑case basis by the Office of Research Education (ORE). Requests must be supported by the mentor and demonstrate that the appointment provides a meaningful educational experience, the participant remains in good academic standing, and the project includes appropriate mentoring and supervision.
• Appointments will start on January 19, 2027, and end on May 7, 2027. Dates for individual appointments may be flexible to account for academic calendars. For students with conflicts that are not academic calendar related, they may elect to start on January 25, 2027.
• Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
• Appointments will be conducted virtually or on-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

• Review the science areas at ORNL to determine what best fits your career goals. You will find the eight discipline areas l.gov.
• For example, if you choose Clean Energy, you will find a variety of news, current research highlights, and more. You can explore other research areas, or related links and organizations to identify your areas of interest and key words, important terminology, papers, etc. that can be used as you answer application questions or update your resume.
• Type a key word about your research interests into the search box at the top right corner on (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and follow the links provided to identify key researchers at ORNL and/or the webpages of the related directorates or divisions. For example, typing 'Environmental Science' leads to the link for the Environmental Sciences Division.
• You will find general contacts and can access many of the Division or User Facility pages under 'Our People'.
• After you have completed your application, reach out via email to the researchers of interest you have identified (use the Contact
  - Find People
  - Staff Directory link l.gov to enter a name and obtain an email address).
• Tell them about your background and describe how your career objectives and interests relate to their research.
• Include an updated resume/CV in the email and let them know which programs you have applied to at ORNL.
• Showing initiative by reaching out to discuss your passion for science and research is a great way to introduce yourself to potential mentors. This personal connection can be the key to 'standing out' from other applications. The RSI program uses 'pool' based application postings where multiple mentors will consider candidates with a variety of interests for different educational project opportunities, so this can be a critical step for selection success.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) at the time of application.