URA-Fermilab: Undergraduate Research Summer Internship (FURSI)

Sponsored by the Universities Research Association (URA), the URA-Fermilab Undergraduate Research Summer Internship (FURSI) engages undergraduate students in STEM to conduct research at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in fulfillment of its mission. The S&T portfolio of Fermilab covers the research areas of particle physics, high-energy physics, accelerator science, computational physics, engineering and emerging technologies in support of the following projects: LBNF/DUNE US, PIP-II, HL-LHC AUP & CMS, Mu2e, Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS).

Interns spend 12 weeks at Fermilab performing hands-on research under the direct leadership, guidance, and supervision of Fermilab scientists, engineers, computing professionals, technicians, and staff across all laboratory directorates performing hands-on research.

FURSI fosters scientific and technical expertise, leadership, science communication, and science policy. Additional programming includes career development panels, networking events, and graduate school advising. A highlight of the program is the URA Science and Technology Policy Day in Washington DC, where students gain firsthand insight into the co-supportive process between policy and scientific research.

FURSI is a stepping stone for aspiring scientists and engineers, providing a rounded and enlightening research experience that builds the foundation for future graduate studies, fellowships and leadership roles.

Eligibility

• Students majoring in Physics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer), Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, Materials Science or Chemistry
• Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a U.S. institution of higher education located in the U.S. or its territories
• Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors not graduating prior to December of internship year
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)
  
  

Application Procedure

Before applying have all requirements ready. Once submitted, access to the application will no longer be available to upload any missing requirements.

Required application materials:

• Online application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
• Resume
• Statement of Interest (300 words max): Describe your experience, skills, personal and professional goals and the intellectual curiosity you will bring to Fermilab to make you an outstanding intern. (Upload Statement of Interest under the Resume section saved as pdf.)
• One letter of recommendation from a professor, faculty member or academic or research advisor. The recommendation letter should address the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in a STEM internship, as demonstrated by academic and intellectual merit, research/technical if applicable, communication, leadership and teamwork skills. The recommendation letter must be received by the application closing date.
  
  

(After the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email prompting them to provide contact information for their recommenders. Each designated reference will then receive an email with a link to upload their letter of recommendation. Please note that these links are sent only to the individuals writing the letters and are distributed exclusively during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.)

Internship Details

• Application Period: December 10, 2025 - January 15, 2026, 5pm CT
• Program Dates: May 26, 2026 – August 14, 2026
• Offer Date: February 20, 2026
• Acceptance Date: March 1, 2026
• Salary: Stipend is based on 40 hours/week at $23/hour for 12 weeks
• Airfare/Housing/Transportation: Airfare, Housing and Ground transportation paid by the program if permanent address is more than 50 miles from host laboratory.
  
  

Deliverables

• Attend the Undergraduate Lecture Series twice weekly
• Presentation abstract (150 words)
• Oral presentation
• Poster presentation
• Written research project report
  
  

Should you have inquiries or experience issues submitting requirements, please contact us at internships@fnal.gov.

Why Fermilab:

Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening for candidates 18 and over. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus

Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:

We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.

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