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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) | NIST
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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

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How to Apply

2024 SURF Colloquium

August 13-15, 2024

Locations: NIST Gaithersburg, NIST Boulder, Center for Marine Debris Research in Waimanalo, HI, and Virtually on Zoom

You are invited to attend the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Colloquium scheduled August 13-15, 2024 at NIST Gaithersburg Bldg 101, NIST Boulder various buildings, and virtually on ZoomGov. The SURF program culminates in a three-day colloquium (August 13 - 15) where the undergraduates describe their research accomplishments in short oral presentations.  The SURF Colloquium begins with a plenary session on the morning of Tuesday, August 13, in Gaithersburg’s Green Auditorium, Boulder’s Bldg 81 Rm 1A116, and on ZoomGov. It continues that afternoon with parallel sessions. Additional parallel sessions will be held Wednesday, August 14, and Thursday, August 15. This summer's 152 undergraduates come from over 90 different schools and represent states and territories across the United States. 

CNST
SURF student Mattie Watson studying nanoscale-sized devices in the nanofabrication laboratory of the Physical Measurement Laboratory. 

NIST summer interns have improved MRI technology, studied medications, and more. Spend your summer with us for 11 weeks of hands-on lab experience with world-class mentors in one of NIST’s six labs or other offices. 

What You’ll Get  

In 2024, we expect to provide $7,810 for the 11-week summer stipend ($710 per week). If you’re participating in person, you’ll need to find your own housing. We will share a list of affordable housing options when you’re selected. Limited financial assistance for housing ($4,500) and travel (up to $500) is available for students who need to relocate for the summer. In-person local participants may receive support for commuting (varies) assistance.

Eligibility and Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident able to provide proof on your application. You must be a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited two-year or four-year college in the U.S. First-year undergraduates and graduating seniors (seniors participating in the Winter or Spring Commencement) are eligible and encouraged to apply to the program.

Participants will work 40 hours per week (Monday through Friday during business hours). You must also: 

  • Pass a background check 
  • Provide proof of health insurance 
  • Receive your payments by direct deposit 
  • Be at least 18 years old 

How to Apply

Apply to the SURF program through USAJobs. All documents are required and must be submitted for consideration. Please submit your documents as PDF files if possible. Detailed instructions are available in the program FAQs. 

Contact Us

surf [at] nist.gov (surf[at]nist[dot]gov)

Taking Measure Blog Posts from SURF Students

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