Student Worker - PRISM Applied Research Intern

Florida Polytechnic University; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid research experience

Faculty mentorship

Research ecosystem access

Job summary

Florida Polytechnic University is offering a PRISM Applied Research Intern position for undergraduate students. The program connects high-performing students with faculty and industry-relevant opportunities to gain hands-on research experience.

Selected interns will work up to 10 hours per week at $15.00 per hour, for a 30-week period, with direct faculty mentorship and access to the university’s research ecosystem to develop technical and professional skills for future studies and careers.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Commitment to up to 10 hours per week for PRISM activities.
• Interest in applied research and related fields.

Responsibilities

• Participate in faculty-directed applied research projects within an assigned research area.
• Conduct research, data collection, experimentation, analysis, modeling, literature reviews, or other project activities.
• Work collaboratively with Florida Poly faculty, graduate research fellows, students, and research partners.
• Attend scheduled research meetings and provide updates regarding project progress.
• Maintain accurate research documentation, records, data, and project materials.
• Assist with the preparation of research findings, technical reports, presentations, posters, or other scholarly products.
• Develop an understanding of how academic research translates into industry-relevant solutions and economic innovation.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent and collaborative work

Commit to 10 hours per week

Applied research interest

Education

Undergraduate student at Florida Poly

Sophomore standing or higher

Minimum 3.6 GPA

U.S. Citizen

Job description

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences. The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

Student Worker - PRISM Applied Research Intern

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

Florida Polytechnic University’s Program for Research, Innovation, Science & Mobility (PRISM) is a selective applied research internship that connects high-performing undergraduate students with distinguished Florida Poly faculty, graduate research fellows, and industry-relevant research opportunities. PRISM provides students with hands‑on experience addressing complex challenges in areas critical to Florida’s economic growth, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness. Research opportunities may include aerospace, smart and intelligent mobility, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum science, life sciences and biotechnology, water security, critical materials, and energy. Selected PRISM Applied Research Interns will engage in faculty‑mentored research while developing the technical, analytical, communication, and professional skills needed for future graduate study and careers in research and industry.

Responsibilities

• Participate in faculty-directed applied research projects within an assigned research area.
• Conduct research, data collection, experimentation, analysis, modeling, literature reviews, or other project activities as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with Florida Poly faculty, graduate research fellows, students, and research partners.
• Attend scheduled research meetings and provide updates regarding project progress.
• Maintain accurate research documentation, records, data, and project materials.
• Assist with the preparation of research findings, technical reports, presentations, posters, or other scholarly products.
• Apply appropriate research methods, laboratory practices, safety requirements, and professional standards.
• Develop an understanding of how academic research translates into industry‑relevant solutions and economic innovation.
• Participate in professional development, research seminars, networking activities, and other PRISM program activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, intellectual curiosity, initiative, dependability, and commitment to academic and research excellence.
• Perform other research-related duties appropriate to the assigned project.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Florida Polytechnic University.
• Sophomore standing or higher.
• Minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA.
• Demonstrated academic achievement and interest in applied research.
• Ability to commit up to 10 hours per week to research and PRISM activities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and research integrity.

Program Benefits

• Students selected for PRISM will receive a 30-week paid applied research experience at $15.00 per hour for up to 10 hours per week, along with direct faculty mentorship and access to Florida Poly’s research and innovation ecosystem.
• Participants will also have opportunities to build professional and research networks, strengthen their résumés and graduate‑school portfolios, develop greater independence as researchers, and broaden their perspectives through engagement with scholars, researchers, and industry leaders.
• Students who successfully complete program requirements will receive a Presidential Certificate of Completion and may be considered for nomination for nationally competitive and prestigious opportunities.

Faculty Research Mentors

Participating faculty include Dr. Ian Bentley, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, Dr. Karim Elish, and Dr. Jun Kim. Research assignments will be based on program needs, faculty research areas, and alignment with the selected student’s interests and qualifications.

About PRISM

PRISM advances Florida Polytechnic University’s commitment to applied research, student talent development, and industry engagement. The program integrates academic excellence, applied research, industry‑relevant problem‑solving, professional development, and global engagement to prepare exceptional students to contribute to Florida’s innovation economy.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

This position requires a criminal background check. This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE

The work schedule for this position will be discussed with the hiring manager, depending upon the student’s class schedule. Thursday and Friday availability is a plus.

EXPECTED STARTING SALARY

$15.00 hourly.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE

The position is open until filled.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04. Florida Polytechnic University, started as a university of engineering and technology, is designed to be different so that graduates possess the talent and job‑ready skills to stand out from the crowd. While other top engineering schools in Florida have centers of innovation, Florida Poly was established on April 20, 2012, as a wholly innovative university dedicated to the principle that innovation occurs when research and creativity are applied to real‑world challenges. Florida’s only public university for engineering and technology dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) was created to be both a rigorous academic institution and a powerful resource for high‑tech industries. Florida Polytechnic University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all faculty, staff and applicants, including those with disabilities. Consistent with its obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, and all other federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. The university provides reasonable workplace accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities. Applicants requesting disability accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department at Florida Polytechnic University. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email [e-mail] or call [phone] during regular business hours. Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. To report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment under Title IX please contact our Title IX Coordinator, 4700 Research Way, ASC East, Lakeland, FL 33805, email: [e-mail], call: 863-874-8484, or our online report form.