Working At Nist: Opportunities For International Students

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a variety of programs for students and recent graduates to gain experience and explore Federal careers. These include internship programs, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Foreign Guest Researcher Program. The Internship Program is designed for students enrolled in a wide range of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, and provides an opportunity to work in agencies while still in school and receive payment for their work. The Recent Graduates Program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government to promote possible careers in the civil service for individuals who have recently graduated. The Foreign Guest Researcher Program, on the other hand, invites scientists from around the world to collaborate with NIST scientists on projects of common interest. So, there are multiple pathways for international students to gain experience and explore careers at NIST.

Internship Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers internship opportunities for students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. The Internship Program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore Federal careers while still in school and to get paid for the work they perform. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. The program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).

The Pathways Program is another initiative that offers clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school. It also provides meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service. The Pathways Program consists of three components: the Internship Program, the Recent Graduate Program, and the Presidential Management Fellow Program.

NIST also offers a Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP), which is a summer volunteer program for high school juniors and seniors. Additionally, NIST's Postdoctoral Research Program supports a nationwide competitive postdoctoral program administered in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. The program brings research scientists and engineers together to perform advanced research related to the NIST mission.

International students can also explore opportunities at NIST through the Foreign Guest Researcher Program. Foreign guest researchers, or foreign national associates, work directly with NIST staff on projects relevant to NIST's mission. They work across NIST's laboratories to advance understanding in measurement science and emerging technologies.

Pathways Program

The Pathways Program at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) offers clear paths to federal internships and careers for students and recent graduates. The program is designed to provide meaningful training and career development opportunities to individuals at the beginning of their federal service. It consists of three components: the Internship Program, the Recent Graduate Program, and the Presidential Management Fellow Program.

The Internship Program is for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. It offers opportunities to work in agencies, explore federal careers, and get paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

The Recent Graduate Program provides developmental experiences in the federal government to promote possible careers in the civil service for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (with exceptions for veterans). The program lasts for one year and can lead to a civil service career in the federal government.

The third component of the Pathways Program is the Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program. Recent Graduates and PMFs are eligible for retirement benefits if their appointment is for more than one year.

In addition to the Pathways Program, NIST offers other student opportunities such as the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which provides valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students; the Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP), a summer volunteer program for high school juniors and seniors offering cutting-edge research experience; and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), a multi-week program offering undergraduate students opportunities to engage in world-class research at NIST's unique research facilities.

Postdoctoral Research Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a centre for physical science and engineering research. It is the primary federal laboratory with a specific mandate to aid U.S. industry. NIST's Postdoctoral Research Program is a nationwide competitive postdoctoral program administered in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NRC). The program brings research scientists and engineers with rare promise and ability to perform advanced research related to the NIST mission.

The program offers research opportunities in chemistry, physics, materials science, math, computer science, or engineering. Postdocs are provided access to world-class research facilities and mentorship from the NIST staff. They are hired into excepted service positions, for up to two years. The current stipend is equivalent to GS-11 step 1 for the Washington, D.C., metro area.

There are two application periods per year, with deadlines of February 1 and August 1. To apply, applicants must first identify and contact a prospective adviser and research opportunity. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have held a Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering, or math discipline for less than five years at the time of application. Men born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System or hold an exemption.

NIST also offers a Foreign Guest Researcher Program, where foreign national associates work directly with NIST staff on projects relevant to the NIST mission.

Foreign Guest Researcher Program

NIST offers a variety of programs for students and researchers, including international students and foreign researchers. The Foreign Guest Researcher Program is one such initiative.

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program, also known as the Foreign National Associates Program, allows foreign guest researchers to work directly with NIST staff on projects that align with NIST's mission. These researchers collaborate across NIST's laboratories to advance our understanding of measurement science and emerging technologies.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Foreign Guest Researcher Program, applicants must be technically qualified and not US citizens. They must also be sponsored by an organization other than NIST. The program is open to researchers from a wide range of scientific and engineering backgrounds, reflecting the diverse composition of NIST itself.

Application Process

There are three ways to become a foreign guest researcher at NIST:

• Contact the NIST researcher you are interested in working with to inquire about potential opportunities. Researchers' contact information is available through NIST's laboratories and user facilities.
• Formulate a specific plan for a problem related to current NIST research. Awards are typically granted for two years.
• Collaborate with the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, which coordinates and selects postdoctoral research associates for NIST.

Funding

NIST may provide a modest allowance for living expenses in the US. However, most of the funding for foreign guest researchers must come from a sponsoring company or institution.

Benefits

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program offers a unique opportunity for international researchers to contribute to cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with NIST staff. It provides access to NIST's advanced research facilities and resources, fostering international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Foreign Guest Researcher Program at NIST offers a valuable platform for international researchers to engage in collaborative projects, advance their careers, and contribute to the advancement of measurement science and technology.

Post-Secondary Student Program

The Post-Secondary Student Program at NIST, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology, offers a variety of opportunities for international students seeking work experience and exposure to Federal careers.

The Pathways Program is one such initiative that provides clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school. It also offers career development opportunities for recent graduates, with the Internship Program and the Recent Graduate Program as its main components. The Internship Program allows students to explore Federal careers while still in school and getting paid for their work. Students who complete the program may be eligible for permanent civil service jobs.

Another initiative is the Postdoctoral Research Associateships Program, a nationwide competitive program run in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. This program brings together research scientists and engineers to perform advanced research related to the NIST mission. It also provides a mechanism for transferring research results from NIST to the broader scientific and engineering communities.

Additionally, NIST offers the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which provides valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. For high school students, there is the Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP), a summer volunteer initiative.

NIST also welcomes foreign guest researchers, or foreign national associates, who work directly with NIST staff on projects relevant to the organization's mission. These researchers work across NIST's laboratories, contributing to the advancement of measurement science and emerging technologies.

Frequently asked questions