URA-Fermilab: Undergraduate Women in STEM

We Are:

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 at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and the South Pole.

We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are over 2,000 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.

Sponsored by the Universities Research Association (URA), this program engages women science and engineering undergraduate students 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, Accelerators and Detectors, Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology, Computational Science/Artificial Intelligence, 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 10 weeks at Fermilab working under the direct leadership, guidance, and supervision of Fermilab scientists, engineers, computing professionals, technicians, and staff across all laboratory directorates performing hands-on research. In addition, the cohort meets with mentors and advisors to grow their professional networks, take part in engaging and inclusive intellectual discussions, directly benefit from laboratory resources and participate in professional development and social engagement activities.

Eligibility

• Women science and engineering majors
• Academic disciplines: All Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science
• Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a U.S. institution of higher education located in the U.S. or its territories
• 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.

The application materials required:

• Online application - Application Walkthrough Video Guide
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Statement of Purpose (300 words max): Describe your experience, skills, personal and professional goals and intellectual curiosity that you will bring to Fermilab and make you an outstanding intern. (Upload statement under the Resume section save as pdf.)
• One letter of recommendation from a professor, faculty, or academic or research advisor. The recommendation letter should address the applicant's academic record and potential for success in a STEM internship, as indicated by demonstrated by academic and intellectual merit, research/technical if applicable, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. The recommendation letter must be received by the application close date (After submitting an application, the applicant will receive an email request to provide contact information for individuals writing letters of recommendation. An email link will be sent to identified references to upload their letter of recommendation. Note, reference links are sent only to the individual writing the letter of recommendation and only emailed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.)

Internship Details

• Application Period: December 23, 2024 - February 21, 2025
• Program Dates: May 26 - August 1, 2025
• Offer Date: March 17, 2025
• Acceptance Date: March 21, 2025
• Salary: Stipend is based on 40 hours/week at $23/hour for 10 weeks
• Transportation: Inbound and Outbound travel arrangements are provided

Deliverables

• Attendance at the Undergraduate Lecture Series
• Presentation abstract (150 words)
• Oral presentation
• Poster presentation
• Written research project report

Inquiries may be sent toInternships@fnal.govwith the subject line "Inquiry: URA-Fermilab: Undergraduate Women in STEM."

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA 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.