ORNL Pathways to Computing Internship Program (PCIP) - Summer 2027

The Pathways to Computing Internship Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a 10-week summer program that provides undergraduate students with learning opportunities in computer science, computational science, and mathematics. Students will be mentored by ORNL research and technical staff and will be able to make contributions to projects in diverse domains including computer science, health data science, and climate science. In addition, students will gain valuable skills needed for a successful career in computing fields. Selected interns will have access to ORNL’s leadership-class facilities, including Frontier, ORNL's exascale supercomputer and the world's most powerful supercomputer for open science (June 2026).

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. ORNL’s Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate oversees an immense store of computing power, and its talented staff of computational scientists and mathematicians conduct state-of-the-art research and development in computer and computational sciences in support of the Department of Energy’s missions and programs.

Who Should Apply

As part of the ORNL Pathways to Computing Internship Program, the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate is committed to increasing diversity among interns and staff. We believe the teams required to solve the nation’s most pressing science challenges are those that bring together a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We look forward to receiving applications representing diverse experience levels and backgrounds in the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Data Science

• Astrophysics

• Bioinformatics / Computational Biology

• Computer Science Research (e.g. compilers, programming models, programming tools)

• Cybersecurity

• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences / Climate Science

• High Performance Computing Operations (e.g. system administration, storage systems, system/user support)

• Performance Profiling & Optimization

• Quantum Computing

• Software Engineering

• Visualization

• Other computer science areas (e.g. CS theory)

• Other computational areas (e.g. material science, chemistry)

Diversity is Key

Scientific discovery is a team effort. Researchers, engineers, and technical and business professionals support achievements in science and technology by helping to manage and operate research projects and facilities. We believe the teams required to solve the nation's most pressing scientific challenges are those that combine a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Program Details

• Ten-week appointment

• Full-time participation

• Appointments will start on June 1, 2027 and will end on August 6, 2027. Dates for individual appointments may be flexible to account for academic calendars and trimester schedules.

Stipends, Housing, and Travel

• Stipend of $750 per week (Stipends are paid on a biweekly schedule and there will be a delay after starting before you receive your fist stipend. You should be prepared to cover all expenses for the first 30 days of your appointment.)

• Housing assistance will be provided.

• Non-local students may be eligible for up to $1,000 towards reimbursement of expenses related to travel to and from Oak Ridge, TN for the appointment period.

Applications will be accepted until January 29, 2027 at 5:00 PM EST.

Questions on this opportunity may be directed to ORNL-PCIP@orise.orau.gov.

Salary : $750