Working At Nist: Opportunities For International Students

can an international student work in nist

NIST offers a variety of internship and fellowship programs for students, including international students. These programs provide valuable work experience and training in the federal workforce, with a focus on scientific research and innovation. Opportunities range from high school internships to graduate-level fellowships, offering a clear path to federal careers for students from diverse educational backgrounds. International students, in particular, can explore internships at NIST through programs like SCR297, STEM Scholars, and others, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and enhancing their career prospects.

Characteristics Values
Program Name Foreign Guest Researcher Program
Who Can Apply Foreign national researchers, also known as foreign national associates
Work Work directly with NIST staff on projects that are relevant to NIST's mission
Work Location Across NIST's laboratories
Funding NIST may be able to provide a modest allowance for U.S. living expenses, but most of the funding will need to come from a sponsoring company or institution
Application Process Contact the NIST researcher you are interested in working with for more information
Eligibility Open to U.S. citizens who are juniors or seniors in high school during the application period with a minimum GPA of 3.0

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Internship programs

NIST offers a variety of internship programs for students at different stages of their academic careers, from high school to graduate level. These programs provide valuable opportunities for students to gain experience, explore Federal careers, and even potentially secure permanent employment.

The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, unpaid educational internship for high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interest in scientific research. SHIP participants work on their own research projects under the guidance of top scientists at NIST, gaining valuable laboratory experience. The program runs annually from June to August, and applicants must live close to the NIST Boulder or Gaithersburg campuses, providing their own housing and transportation.

For undergraduate students, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) offers a unique research experience to inspire participants to pursue careers in STEM. The NIST Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering (GMSE) Fellowship Program, meanwhile, provides doctoral-level graduate students with financial assistance and laboratory experience within the NIST laboratories in STEM disciplines related to NIST's measurement science and engineering research.

Additionally, NIST offers the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which provides laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. The Recent Graduates Program is also available for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs, offering developmental experiences and potential careers in the Federal Government.

NIST's internship programs are designed to provide a wide range of students with valuable opportunities for skill development, career exploration, and networking within the scientific community. These programs offer a great way for students to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers.

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Graduate programs

NIST offers a variety of graduate programs for students and recent graduates of all ages and backgrounds. The Pathways Program offers clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and careers for recent graduates. The program consists of two components: the Internship Program and the Recent Graduate Program.

Internship Program

The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

Recent Graduate Program

The Recent Graduate Program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to 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.

Postdoctoral Research Associateships Program

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 to perform advanced research related to the NIST mission. The program provides NIST's unique research facilities to the U.S. scientific and engineering communities and facilitates the transfer of research results from NIST to these communities.

Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering (GMSE) Fellowship Program

The NIST Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering (GMSE) Fellowship Program provides doctoral-level graduate students with opportunities and financial assistance to obtain laboratory experience within the NIST laboratories in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines related to NIST measurement science and engineering research.

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Research opportunities

International students can find research opportunities at NIST through the Foreign Guest Researcher Program, which offers scientists from around the world the chance to work with NIST staff on projects relevant to the organization's mission. These projects are generally one year in duration and are tailored to each participant's specific research interests.

The program is open to international researchers in three ways:

  • Direct Funding: NIST may provide a modest allowance for living expenses in the US, but most funding must come from a sponsoring company or institution.
  • Sponsored Funding: The researcher's parent organization or a grant from the Engineering Laboratory (EL) covers their expenses.
  • Unfunded: The researcher volunteers their time without financial support.

Another research opportunity for international students is the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). This program offers undergraduate students from around the world the chance to engage in world-class research at NIST's unique facilities. SURF participants must be full-time students in an accredited two-year or four-year college in the US and work 40 hours per week during the program.

Additionally, NIST offers a Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering Fellowship Program (GMSE) that provides doctoral-level graduate students with unique research experiences, mentorship, and financial assistance.

NIST also has an Internship Program that offers high school and graduate students the opportunity to explore Federal careers while getting paid. Successful interns may be eligible for conversion to permanent civil service jobs upon completion of the program.

Overall, NIST provides a range of research and career development opportunities for international students and recent graduates, fostering collaboration and contributing to advancements in various scientific fields.

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Eligibility criteria

International students interested in working at NIST can participate in the Foreign Guest Researcher Program. This program brings in foreign national associates to work directly with NIST staff on projects relevant to the NIST mission. Foreign guest researchers work across NIST laboratories to advance our understanding of measurement science and emerging technologies.

There are three ways to become a foreign guest researcher:

  • Contact the NIST researcher you are interested in working with to inquire about opportunities.
  • NIST may be able to provide a modest allowance for US living expenses, but most of your funding will need to come from a sponsoring company or institution.
  • Visit https://www.nist.gov/iaao/office-international-affairs/foreign-guest-researcher-program for more information.

In addition to the Foreign Guest Researcher Program, NIST offers several other opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain experience and explore Federal careers:

  • The Internship Program: This program is designed for students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. It provides an opportunity to gain experience in Federal careers while still in school and offers payment for work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
  • The Recent Graduates Program: This program offers 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. Applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (with an exception for veterans due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years).
  • The Pathways Program: This program offers clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through postgraduate school. It also provides career development opportunities for recent graduates who are beginning their Federal service journey. The Pathways Program consists of two components: the Internship Program and the Recent Graduate Program.
  • The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP): SHIP is an eight-week, unpaid educational internship for U.S. citizens who are high school juniors or seniors during the application period. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a desire to participate in scientific research. The program offers the chance to work with top scientists at NIST and conduct an individual research project.
  • Post-Secondary Student Program: This program provides development and training in specific fields for college graduates. Assignments become more responsible as the incumbent increases their knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training. Applicants must have received a bachelor's or advanced degree from an institution of higher education no later than two years after receiving their degree.
  • NIST Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering (GMSE) Fellowship Program: This program provides doctoral-level graduate students with financial assistance and opportunities to gain laboratory experience within the NIST laboratories in STEM disciplines related to NIST measurement science and engineering research.

NIST also offers the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which provides valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students.

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Funding and expenses

International students interested in working at NIST can explore the Foreign Guest Researcher Program. This program allows foreign guest researchers, or foreign national associates, to work directly with NIST staff on projects relevant to NIST's mission. While NIST may provide a modest allowance for living expenses in the US, most of the funding for this opportunity needs to come from a sponsoring company or institution.

NIST offers a variety of programs that provide financial assistance and valuable experience to students and recent graduates of all ages and backgrounds. These programs are designed to offer insights into Federal careers and provide training and career development opportunities.

Internship Program

The Internship Program is designed for students enrolled in a wide range of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. It provides paid opportunities to work in agencies, allowing students to explore Federal careers while still in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for permanent civil service jobs.

Recent Graduate Program

The Recent Graduate Program is intended for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Applicants must apply within two years of completing their degree or certificate (with an extended time frame for veterans due to their military service obligation). This program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government and promotes possible careers in the civil service.

Pathways Program

The Pathways Program offers clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through postgraduate school. It also provides career opportunities for recent graduates, along with meaningful training and career development. The program consists of two components: the Internship Program and the Recent Graduate Program.

Postdoctoral Research Associateships Program

NIST's Postdoctoral Research Program is a nationwide competitive postdoctoral program administered in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. It brings research scientists and engineers together to perform advanced research related to the NIST mission. The program provides access to NIST's unique research facilities and fosters the transfer of research results to the scientific and engineering communities.

Professional Research Experience Program (PREP)

PREP offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance.

Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)

SHIP is a summer volunteer program for high school juniors and seniors. It is an eight-week unpaid educational internship that provides students with the opportunity to learn from top scientists at NIST and work on their own research projects. While SHIP is open to US citizens, applicants must live in close proximity to the NIST Boulder or NIST Gaithersburg campuses, providing their own housing and transportation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international undergraduate students can work at NIST through internships.

There are various internships available for international students, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and the STEM Scholars Program.

The requirements may vary for different internships. For example, the SURF program requires applicants to be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The internships are usually located at the NIST campuses in Boulder, Colorado, or Gaithersburg, Maryland.

You can apply for internships through the NIST website or the website of the specific internship program. Applications for the SURF program, for instance, are open from November 1 to the last week of January.

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