NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI)

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

Job summary

UCAR's NSF NCAR Education, Engagement and Early Career Development (EdEC) invites undergraduate students to join the 2027 NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI) in Boulder, CO. The 11-week program runs May 17 to July 30, 2027, with research across atmospheric science, computation, engineering, and space physics.

Interns will work with UCAR/NSF NCAR scientists, prepare oral and poster presentations, and join a professional intern community.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in sophomore year or above at a US university or college.
• Sophomore or above; no freshmen.
• Undergraduate; no graduate students.
• GPA at least 3.0 on a 5.0 scale.
• Available full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site during the 11-week summer program.
• Must be willing to work with mentors and peers.
• Must have basic research and programming experience.
• Ability to work within organizational guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist NSF NCAR scientists on research in multiple labs across atmospheric science, computation, engineering, and space physics.
• Prepare oral and poster presentations at the end of the program.
• Be part of UCAR/NSC AR intern community and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Skills

Basic knowledge of Earth system sci

Problem solving

Scientific computing tools

Collaboration

Oral and written communication

Full-time on-site 40h/w

Mentor/peer collaboration

G Suite / office software

Policy and guidelines adherence

Education

Earth System Science

Atmospheric Science

Computer Science

Social Science

Engineering

Physics

Mathematics

Geography

Tools

G Suite

Job description

Position Type

Term - Casual (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible

No

Hiring Range

$23.41

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

Application Closes at 11:59pm Mountain Time on

2027-01-04

About the Role

Great Internship opportunity for undergraduate students only.

The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Education, Engagement and Early Career Development (EdEC) seeks undergraduate Earth system science students to intern in the 2027 NSF NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI).

The 2027 NESSI program runs for 11 weeks, from May 17 to July 30, 2027.

Interns work with NSF NCAR scientists to conduct research across NSF NCAR labs on a wide range of topics, including atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, and solar & space physics.

Beyond core geosciences, NSF NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to bring other fields to bear on substantial problems in climate, weather, and related disciplines. Thus, there is also significant opportunity for projects in data science, social science, and science education. Research projects will be defined by student interest and the ability to pair the student with a mentor working in a similar field or topic.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Quarter-system students are not eligible - Due to program scheduling constraints, NESSI is unable to accommodate applicants enrolled in schools operating on an academic quarter calendar.

2. Undergraduate Only - The NESSI program is designed specifically for undergraduate students and does not accept applications from graduate students.

3. Freshmen are not eligible - To qualify for NESSI, you must be a sophomore or above (must have completed at least one full academic year of college coursework); freshmen are not eligible;

4. Students must have some basic research and programming experience and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale).

5. Participants must be available full-time (40 hours per week), arrive in Boulder by May 16, and attend on-site daily.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Interns work with NSF NCAR scientists to conduct research in any NSF NCAR lab(s) on a wide range of topics including atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, and solar & space physics. Beyond core geosciences, NSF NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to apply knowledge from other fields to address major issues in climate, weather, and related disciplines. Thus, there are also significant opportunities in data science, social science, and science education. Research projects will be defined by student interest and the ability to pair the student with a mentor working in a similar field or topic.

Reports and Presentations

• Each intern prepares an oral and poster presentation of their work at the end of the summer program, presented either in person or virtually to scientists, staff, and peers.

Community and Professional Behavior

• NESSI interns work together and are part of a larger community of UCAR and NSF NCAR summer interns. NESSI interns will conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a professional environment and adhere to UCAR's Code of Conduct. Interns are expected to fully participate during normal office hours, during NESSI functions, and while on travel for the internship.

Education & Experience REQUIRED

• MUST be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (no graduate) in sophomore year or above (no freshmen) in an accredited US university or college with a major/concentration in any of the following disciplines:
  • Earth System Science
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Computer Science
  • Social Science
  • Engineering
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Geography

• Must be a Sophomore or above (Candidates should have completed the equivalent of at least one year of college; no Freshman/first-year).
• Must be an undergraduate; no graduate students.
• Have some basic research and programming experience and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED

• Basic knowledge, through coursework, of Earth system science concepts
• Good problem-solving skills
• Ability and willingness to learn and use scientific computing tools and programs
• Ability to work with a variety of staff members
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work full-time, on-site (40 hours per week) during the entire 11-week summer program
• Ability to interact with mentors and peers in a manner that supports collaboration and inquiry
• Working knowledge of basic office and communication software (e.g., G+ suite, email clients)
• Ability and willingness to work within guidelines and policies of the organization and assigned workgroups

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

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.

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.