Research Student Internships - Spring 2027

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Research Student Internships (RSI) Program encourages research careers in STEM fields by connecting current students and recent graduates to world-class researchers and staff offering educational, mission-aligned training experiences and access to premier facilities. As the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, ORNL researchers and staff are engaged in ‘Solving Big Problems’, increasing America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges in eight key science areas: Biology & Environment, Energy Science, Fusion & Fission, Isotopes, Physical Sciences, National Security, Neutron Science, and Supercomputing.

About the role

Appointments are for 16-19 weeks during the Spring, with the option for a 12-month appointment available for recent graduates. Participants are expected to participate full-time each week, with the option for part-time participation for students enrolled in school full-time. Participants enrolled less than full-time may be approved for part-time appointments on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Research Education (ORE). Requests must be supported by the mentor and demonstrate that the appointment provides a meaningful educational experience, the participant remains in good academic standing, and the project includes appropriate mentoring and supervision.

Appointments will start on January 19, 2027, and end on May 7, 2027. Dates for individual appointments may be flexible to account for academic calendars. For students with conflicts that are not academic calendar related, they may elect to start on January 25, 2027. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant. Appointments will be conducted virtually or on-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Requirements

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) at the time of application.
• Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. college or university (including accredited U.S. community colleges) at the time of application. Applicants must have completed at least one academic term (or academic quarter, if applicable) and demonstrate full-time academic engagement, typically defined as completion of at least 12 semester credit hours (or equivalent) by the start of the appointment. Applicants from institutions with non-standard credit systems will be evaluated based on successful completion of a full-time course load as defined by their institution. Applicants must have completed at least one academic term prior to the start of the appointment; first-term freshmen are not eligible.
  • Recent graduate (associate/bachelor/master) from an accredited U.S. college or university (including accredited U.S. community colleges) at the time of application. The time period between receipt of an undergraduate or graduate degree and starting the RSI appointment must not exceed two years plus up to 30 calendar days.
  • Veteran of the United States Armed Services who has received their DD-214 no more than four years prior to the start date of the internship (to be verified with a DD Form 214 and a high school diploma or GED).
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application (undergraduate and graduate cumulative GPA combined, or graduate GPA alone, as applicable). Eligibility is determined based on the cumulative GPA in effect on the application date. Applicants must provide documentation verifying this GPA before the appointment begins. Exceptions to the minimum GPA requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Research Education (ORE) and require a written justification from the ORNL mentor.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Program Details

• Applications are reviewed directly by ORNL researchers with an available project. Selections and appointment offers will be made on a rolling basis starting on or around October 29, 2026. Selected applicants must respond to their offer within seven (7) days of receipt of the offer.
• All RSI participants are required to submit an appointment reflection and develop a poster or PowerPoint by the end of the program. Participants may also have the opportunity to collaborate on manuscripts and/or to join conferences, poster sessions, and other opportunities to present or publish their research.

Pay

• Stipend (paid biweekly):
  • $750 per week for undergraduate students, recent graduates (Associate's), or recently separated veterans with high school diploma/GED.
  • $850 per week for recent graduates (Bachelor’s).
  • $950 per week for graduate students or recent graduates (Master’s).
• Housing Allowance (paid biweekly with stipend): A housing allowance of $250 per week will be provided to participants.
• Travel: Eligible participants whose permanent address is more than 50 miles from the host facility may receive a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000 for round-trip transportation expenses to and from ORNL.

Stipend payments and housing allowances are taxable as an educational benefit. There will be a delay after starting before you receive your first stipend. You should be prepared to cover all personal expenses for the first 30 days of your appointment. Note: Stipend levels are determined based on your academic status at the time of application. If your academic status changes prior to your start date or during your appointment, your stipend level may be adjusted accordingly. Confirmation of your academic status will be required.

Application Requirements

• Profile information.
• Educational details (i.e., dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.).
• Relevant experience.
• Awards and honors.
• Statement of Purpose: goals, experience, skills, and personal information.
• Research areas of interest.
• An updated resume or CV, 2-page limit (.pdf upload).
• Academic records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of academic records may be submitted showing name, school name, current/enrolled classes, and GPA (.pdf upload).
• One recommendation - The application will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible for review and consideration until one recommendation is received. Applicants will provide contact information for recommenders, including current email addresses. Recommendation letters will be uploaded in Zintellect and should address the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in a STEM internship, as indicated by intellectual merit, research/technical, communication, and teamwork skills. Recommenders cannot be a family member.