Job Description Summary:
The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Education, Engagement, and Early Career Development (EdEC) seeks undergraduate Earth System Science students to participate as interns in the 2025 NCAR Earth System Science Internship (NESSI).
The 2025 NESSI will run for 11 weeks, tentatively from May 19 - August 1, 2025
Interns work with NSF NCAR scientists to conduct research across all NCAR labs on a wide range of topics, including atmospheric science, computational science, engineering, and solar & space physics. Besides research in core geosciences, NCAR has a robust interdisciplinary mission to bring other fields to bear on substantial problems in climate, weather, and related disciplines. Thus, there is also a significant opportunity for data science, social science, and science education projects.
Research projects are to be defined by student interest and the ability to pair the student with a mentor working in a similar field or topic.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
No
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Casual
Compensation Min - Mid Range:
Hourly Rate: $22.79/hour
Application Notes
Job Location: Boulder, CO
Job Type: In Person
Position Type & Term: 11 weeks, tentatively from May 19 - August 1, 2025
Work Authorization: Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Relocation Assistance: Relocation is NOT available for this position.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2025
Required application materials:
Please read carefully, if any of the document is missing the application will be considered incomplete.
1. A cover letter
2. Resume
3. Inclusion statement
4. Unofficial transcript
5. Reference contact information.
Additional information (Please read)
Cover letter:
The not-to-exceed one-page cover letter must include the following topics:
Describe why you are interested in an internship at NSF NCAR.
Explain how this program addresses your educational and career goals and what you expect to gain if selected.
Share how your background allows you to make unique contributions to the program (i.e. social, cultural, familial, economic, educational, etc.).
Inclusion statement (at least 200 words):
Please describe how your past actions and future plans encourage and contribute to diverse and inclusive work environments within your community, university/college
References:
Please list 3 references (Name, contact email, contact phone number)
Students should share the internship program information with their references and let the references know that they might be contacted to provide a recommendation.
We do not accept recommendation letters.
Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
What You Will Do
Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
Research: 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. Besides research in core geosciences, NSF NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to apply knowledge from other fields to address significant issues in climate, weather, and related disciplines. Thus, there is also a significant opportunity for data science, social science, and science education projects. Research projects are to 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: At the conclusion of the summer program, each intern prepares an oral and poster presentation of their work to be 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 appropriately and professionally and adhere to UCAR’s Code of Conduct. Interns are expected to participate during regular office hours, NESSI functions fully, and while on travel for the internship.
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education & Experience REQUIRED:
Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:
While the position description details minimum requirements and desired skills and experience, we want to remind applicants that they only need some of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this role. You are encouraged to apply if you have a passion for the work and experience in a related field. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required):
Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the 11-week summer program
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 diverse staff
Good oral and written communication skills
Ability to interact with mentors and peers in a manner that supports collaboration and inquiry
Working knowledge of essential office and communication software (e.g., G+ suite, email clients)
Ability and willingness to work within the guidelines and policies of the organization and assigned workgroups
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!
Commitment to Job Application Fairness
Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.
Some Final Considerations
At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Visa Wait Times
Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.
