2027 NSF SOARS First-Year Protege

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) is offering NSF SOARS summer internships in Boulder, CO. This program focuses on research, mentoring, and community, with proteges engaging in projects, writing, and presentations.

Selected students gain mentorship, training, and opportunities to present findings within a supportive scientific community. Eligibility includes undergraduate enrollment or associate degree, minimum one year of undergrad remaining, GPA 2.0+, and interest in

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or an associate’s degree program
• Must have completed at least one year of undergrad
• Community college students and associates degree holders are welcome to apply
• Must have at least one semester of undergrad remaining after the initial summer program
• Bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible to apply
• Pursue a major in atmospheric science or related fields and show interest in pursuing STEM careers
• Include college science and math coursework and GPA 2.0 or higher

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, CO
• Deliver two scientific presentations, a research poster, a paper, and an abstract by program end
• Participate in mentoring and community activities and fulfill program requirements

Skills

Research experience

Mentoring

Communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate student or assoc. degree

1 year undergraduate completed

GPA 2.0+

Job description

Location: Boulder, CO
Location Type: Hybrid Option Available (Mix of in-person and remote)
Time Type: Full time
Job Requisition ID: REQ-2026-208
Position Type: Term - less than 6 months (Fixed Term)
Visa Sponsored Job: No
Relocation Assistance Eligible: No

Hiring Range:
$23.41/hour (up to $936.40/week), untaxed

*Please note that NSF SOARS Proteges stipends are not taxed, and as such will need to file a 1099 for personal tax reporting/filing purposes.

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 11:59pm Mountain Time on: 2027-01-19

About the Role

UCAR is excited to announce the application opening of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program. NSF SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program designed to promote and support research, mentoring, and community in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences (ESS).

The summer research experience includes opportunities to engage in original scientific research, written reports and presentations, seminars, as well as peer and community mentoring. NSF SOARS Proteges can participate for up to four summers conducting research in atmospheric and ESS. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research, and conference travel.

NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including but not limited to: chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences -- to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. The NSF SOARS program offers support for all students to achieve success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to actively contribute to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in this country.

Job Description

Responsibilities

The NSF SOARS program is built on the three pillars of Research, Mentoring, and Community. As a Protege, you will gain hands-on research experience, dedicated mentorship, and a supportive community to help launch your career in the atmospheric and related sciences. NSF SOARS empowers you to take ownership of your summer experience, strengthen your scientific and professional skills, and prepare for the next steps in your academic and career journey.

As an NSF SOARS Protege, you will engage in the following opportunities and responsibilities as well as uphold the UCAR Participant Code of Conduct during your internship:

Research

• Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, CO.
• Collaborate closely with research and writing mentors to advance your project.
• Participate in training workshops on scientific writing, data science, communication, leadership, and professional skills.
• Complete weekly writing assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Develop and deliver two scientific presentations, a research poster, a research paper, and an abstract by the end of the program.
• (Optional) Present your research at a national scientific conference and contribute to NSF SOARS outreach. Conference travel is funded and may occur during the academic year.

Mentoring

• Co-create and maintain a summer work plan with your mentor team.
• Take initiative in organizing and leading mentor team meetings.
• Communicate regularly with mentors and actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
• Contribute to your mentor team and cohort by offering insights, ideas, and collaboration.

Community

• Actively contribute to a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers.
• Participate fully in NSF SOARS events and/or activities with occasional social events occurring outside of standard work hours, as well as funded travel opportunities.
• Engage in technical and career development seminars with peers and scientists.
• (Optional) Participate in future networking and mentoring events as a program alum.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program; or associate’s degree program;
• Must have completed at least one (1) year of undergrad;
• Community College students and Associates degree holders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
• Must have at least one (1) semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the initial summer program;
• Bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible to apply.
• Working toward an academic major in atmospheric science or a related field, (e.g. geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences) and an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines;
• Possess some college science and math coursework.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• If your GPA is less than 3.0, please address the circumstances in your Research essay.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Willingness to contribute to the NSF SOARS mission (please see soars.ucar.edu for more details).
• Interest and desire to expand knowledge in the Earth system sciences or related fields.
• Ability/potential to lead and collaborate with a group of peers and mentors.
• Desire/potential to excel in a STEM career.

Application Instructions

Register for our How to Apply to NSF SOARS Webinar on Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 am MT.

Required application materials - Uploaded/submitted within the application.

Unofficial Transcripts from all institutions attended (preferably in PDF Format)

• Please REMOVE/BLACKOUT your social security number and/or birth date if it is shown on your unofficial transcript.
• Transcripts with security encryptions/password restrictions WILL NOT be accepted.
• DO NOT include High School transcripts.

2027 NSF SOARS Essays (view our AI guidelines)

NSF SOARS is designed to promote and support Research, Mentoring, and Community. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit three separate essays (up to 3,000 character limit per essay), each focused on one of these components. Leadership development is also an important attribute in the NSF SOARS program. Please describe your leadership aspirations in each of your essays.

Research - NSF SOARS Proteges spend eleven weeks conducting original research at NSF NCAR, UCP, or other NSF SOARS sponsors with world-renowned scientists. NSF SOARS values creativity in problem solving as a researcher.

• Describe one or two problem-solving experiences you’ve had in prior coursework, research projects, work experiences, or other activities. What approaches and skills did you use?
• How might these experiences and approaches apply to a NSF SOARS research project?
• What are your career goals, and how could participating in NSF SOARS help you achieve them?
• If undecided, what scientific questions or topics are you most passionate about, and how do you hope to explore them through this program?

Mentoring - NSF SOARS is a unique program that offers multi-dimensional and bidirectional mentoring to Proteges. Proteges work with their mentors on a research plan and are responsible for communicating with their mentoring team, organizing meetings, etc.

• We understand that you want to gain research experience and improve your research skills through mentoring with other scientists. Describe these and other areas you desire to grow in (professionally and personally) and why?
• How will the mentoring you receive in NSF SOARS help you grow in those areas?
• How will you contribute to the multi-dimensional mentorship model of NSF SOARS?

Community - NSF SOARS is deeply invested in cultivating a supportive community where Proteges and mentors learn together, forming meaningful relationships while developing leadership and communication skills. Proteges are encouraged to build and sustain collegial and supportive relationships with other Protege’s, mentors, program coordinators, and alumni.

• Describe an experience in which you helped create or contribute to a supportive community. How did you help others feel supported, navigate challenges, or celebrate successes? The situation does not have to be related to science, research, or education.
• If you haven’t had this experience, explain what you believe makes a positive and supportive community and how you would contribute to one in the future, including any strategies you’d use to collaborate, lead, and problem-solve.
• Discuss how you imagine a supportive community might influence your experience in NSF SOARS, and how do you expect to contribute and benefit from this community.

Contact Information of Two (2) Recommenders

• At least one (1) reference must be for a faculty member/professor, the other can be from a mentor, supervisor, or other professional.
• Consider asking references who can speak to how you embody the three pillars of the NSF SOARS Program (research, mentoring, community).
• We only require contact information for recommenders. Letters are not required, and we will only reach out with targeted questions if additional information is needed.

Work Authorization/Visa Sponsorship: Not available. You must be (a) a current U.S. Citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).

Duration of Internship: Monday, May 17, 2027 - Friday, July 30, 2027 (11 weeks)

Travel & Accommodation: NSF SOARS Proteges will receive housing accommodations and round-trip travel to Boulder, CO for this internship.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm MT on Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Applications will not be accepted past this date, and candidates will receive a status update no later than Monday, March 15, 2027.

QUESTIONS?

Explore our Application FAQs page for full details on eligibility, deadlines, requirements, and program logistics.

For help with the Workday application process, please reach out to Meghan Myron-Karels ([e-mail]).

For questions not addressed on our FAQs page regarding the NSF SOARS program, please contact Marissa Vara ([e-mail]).

Application Requirements

Questionnaire, Unofficial Transcripts

Submit all required application materials by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline. Only candidates with complete applications (including questionnaires, when required) will be considered.

We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Candidates selected for hire will complete background checks and/or federal screenings.

Additional Information

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. You don’t need to include age-related information, such as birth or graduation dates, in your initial application.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on an employee. Please inform your Recruiter if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Visa Sponsorship: UCAR can sponsor H-1B status only for candidates already in the U.S. who hold H-1B status or another status that allows a change to H-1B within the country. We cannot sponsor new H-1B visas that require consular processing abroad.

Compliance and Location: All roles must comply with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. Hybrid staff work on-site 3 days per week or equivalent, based on their flexible work arrangement. UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use: AI tools are permitted, but we strongly encourage candidates to submit primarily original work.