You will submit applications in the ORISE Zintellect system no later than November, 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time (8:59:59 PM Pacific Time). 

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The URA-Sandia Graduate Student Summer Fellowship program is aimed at providing graduate student research experience in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas that support Sandia National Laboratories’ (SNL) Research Foundations and will provide a hands-on STEM learning opportunity focused on Earth Science. To ensure that our fundamental science and engineering core is vibrant and continually pushing the forefront of knowledge, Sandia has chosen to invest in the following Research Foundations listed below:

Please note this opportunity will be focused on Earth Science; however, applicants in other disciplines that have an interest in Earth Science may apply or may apply to other opportunities listed below.

• Bioscience (URA-SNL-BioSci-2027-Summer)
• Computing and Information Science (URA-SNL-CompInfoSci-2027-Summer)
• Engineering Science (URA-SNL-EngineeringSci-2027-Summer)
• Earth Science (URA-SNL-EarthSci-2027-Summer)
• Materials Science (URA-SNL-MaterialSci-2027-Summer)
• Nanodevices and Microsystems (URA-SNL-NanoMicroSys-2027-Summer)
• Radiation, Electrical and High Energy Density Science (URA-SNL-RadHiEnDen-2027-Summer)

For information about the Research Foundations, please visit https://www.sandia.gov/research/research-foundations/.

Sandia National Laboratories has as its mission “To render exceptional service in the national interest” as one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Laboratories. As a DOE National Nuclear Security Administration laboratory, SNL has a core mission in national security that is synergistically served by science, technology, and engineering across a broad range of disciplines in its Research Foundations. 

What will I be doing?

Selected fellows will be mentored by SNL technical staff members to engage in challenging research and development projects. Fellows will be included in meetings, events, and tours sponsored by URA and SNL through Student Intern Programs and Academic Programs aimed at aiding in professional development and support of engagement among the fellows.

During this appointment, the fellow will: 

• Gain hands-on experience in a National Laboratory R&D environment pursuing the latest technologies and pioneering novel techniques.
• Learn how to design and carry out experiments or pursue computational or analytical studies and interpret data following Sandia research standards. 
• Develop an understanding of how research contributes to national security missions.
• Strengthen scientific communication skills through written summaries, lightning talks, and presentations of research outcomes for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Why should I apply?

As a participant in a STEM research program, you will have a unique hands-on STEM learning experience that will strengthen your understanding and provide a network to help advance your educational and career goals.  

Where will I be located?  

Summer Fellows will participate at one of Sandia National Laboratories primary sites in Albuquerque, New Mexico or Livermore, California. 

What financial provisions will I receive?

Participants will receive a stipend to help offset living and other expenses during this appointment. A dislocation allowance may also be provided, if applicable.   

Stipend rates are determined by URA Sandia officials and are based on the candidate’s academic background, degree level, as well as locations. Below are the stipend amounts for each location and degree level: 

• MS / MA / MBA / PhD Student (with earned BA/BS):
  • New Mexico (NM): $1,414.40/week
  • California (CA): $1628.40/week
• PhD Student (with earned MS/MA/MBA):
  • New Mexico (NM): $1,544.00/week
  • California (CA): $1,762.80/week
• PhD Dissertation (All But Dissertation / ABD):
  • New Mexico (NM): $1,706/week
  • California (CA): $1,901.60/week 

When are selections made?

Selections are expected to be made soon after the application deadline in early spring 2027. 

What is the length of the appointment? 

The appointment is 12 weeks in the summer of 2027. Exact start/end dates for the full 12 weeks will be coordinated between the mentor and the candidate.

To be considered for the URA-Sandia Graduate Student Summer Fellowship, applicants must be:

• A full-time graduate student currently pursuing a Master or Doctoral degree at a regionally accredited college or university and have an interest in Earth Science. Please note, individuals graduating in the Spring of 2027 or earlier are not eligible. You must be currently a graduate student and also continuing as a student through the Fall 2027 semester. You will be required to show proof of enrollment prior to the appointment start date.  
• At least 18 years old at the time of the application.
• A U.S. Citizen. Selected candidates must provide suitable documentation to verify citizenship as requested.

A complete application consists of:

• A complete Zintellect Profile and responses to the opportunity specific application questions.  Be sure to include the following:
  • 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
• A current resume/CV (2-page limit upload).
• Transcripts/Academic records - For this opportunity, an up-to-date unofficial transcript or copy of academic records may be submitted showing name, school name, current/enrolled classes, and GPA (.pdf upload) to complete the application, if a copy of the official transcript is not available at the time of application. Please include both undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if beyond the first semester of graduate work).  If selected, you will be required to provide an up-to-date copy of your official transcript(s) prior to starting the appointment.  
• One recommendation from your graduate thesis advisor. If you do not have a thesis advisor, a recommendation may be submitted from an academic advising faculty. The recommendation must be submitted through Zintellect and should address the candidate's academic and/or professional record and potential for success. Applications without a recommendation will not be reviewed.  The recommendation must be received in Zintellect by November 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time (8:59:59 PM Pacific Time). 

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect, and must be in English or include an official English translation. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth redacted (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All application components must be completed and received in the system by the deadline in order to be considered. Supporting materials must be uploaded as PDF files to ensure the document can be searchable by Zintellect's search engine. Documents sent by email, postal mail, or fax will not be considered.   

If you have questions, contact Daphne Lee at URA-Sandia@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email. 

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and the Universities Research Association (URA). Participants do not become employees of URA, SNL, DOE, ORISE, nor ORAU, and there are no employment-related benefits.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age