Job Description Summary: UCAR is excited to announce the application opening of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program for Returning Proteges. NSF SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge and career pathways program designed to promote and support research, mentoring, and community in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences (ESS).
The summer research experience includes opportunities to engage in original scientific research, written reports and presentations, seminars, as well as peer and community mentoring. NSF SOARS Proteges can participate for up to four summers conducting research in atmospheric and ESS. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research, and conference travel.
NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including but not limited to: chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences -- to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth's Atmosphere. The NSF SOARS program offers support for all students to achieve success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to actively contribute to finding solutions to our most pressing scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in this country.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
No
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Term - less than 6 months (Fixed Term)
Compensation Min - Mid Range:
Returning Undergraduate Students - $25.75/hr (up to $1030.00/week), untaxed
Returning Graduate Students - $28.32/hr (up to $1,132.80/week), untaxed
*Please note that NSF SOARS Proteges stipends are not taxed, and as such will need to file a 1099 for personal tax reporting/filing purposes.
Application Notes
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59pm MT Monday, February 2, 2026. Applications will not be accepted past this date, and candidates will receive a status update no later than Monday, March 16, 2026.
Required application materials:
Unofficial Transcripts for the Fall semester of your current institution (uploaded at the time of application, preferably in PDF Format)
If you are not currently enrolled but will be for the upcoming academic year, please upload evidence of that fact.
Please remove/blackout your social security number and/or birth date if it is shown on your unofficial/official transcript(s).
NSF SOARS Returning Protege Questionnaire (to be answered at the time of application)
Do you have mentors identified for this summer?
If yes, please include name/email here.
If not, do you need NSF SOARS to find a mentor(s) for you?
What are your research interests this summer?
Would you like to participate in a special project?
Are you deferring your participation for this summer, or do you intend to come back?
What is your anticipated graduation date?
Short Answer Essay: Describe how you will use your continued participation in NSF SOARS to support your interests and goals. If you have ideas for this summer's research, please describe those ideas and any steps you have already taken.
Background checks are conducted for candidates who are offered the internship opportunity. Learn more. (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs)
Work Authorization/Visa Sponsorship: Not available . You must be (a) a current U.S. Citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).
Work Location: This position is open to students seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of in-person and remote) opportunities. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
Duration of Internship: Monday, May 18, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026 (11 weeks)
Travel & Accommodation: NSF SOARS Proteges will receive housing accommodations and round-trip travel to Boulder, CO for this internship. Please note that the benefits listed below in the Benefits Overview section do not apply to summer interns.
What You Will Do
The NSF SOARS program is built on the three pillars of Research, Mentoring, and Community. As a Protege, you will gain hands-on research experience, dedicated mentorship, and a supportive community to help launch your career in the atmospheric and related sciences. NSF SOARS empowers you to take ownership of your summer experience, strengthen your scientific and professional skills, and prepare for the next steps in your academic and career journey.
Key Responsibilities
As an NSF SOARS Protege, you will engage in the following opportunities and responsibilities as well as uphold the UCAR Participant Code of Conduct (https://www.ucar.edu/who-we-are/ethics-integrity/codes-conduct/participants) during your internship:
Research
Conduct scientific research at NSF NCAR, UCAR, UCP, or partnering organizations in Boulder, CO.
Collaborate closely with research and writing mentors to advance your project.
Participate in training workshops on scientific writing, data science, communication, leadership, and professional skills.
Complete weekly writing assignments and meet project deadlines.
Develop and deliver two scientific presentations, a research poster, a research paper, and an abstract by the end of the program.
(Optional) Present your research at a national scientific conference and contribute to NSF SOARS outreach. Conference travel is funded and may occur during the academic year.
Mentoring
Co-create and maintain a summer work plan with your mentor team.
Take initiative in organizing and leading mentor team meetings.
Communicate regularly with mentors and actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
Contribute to your mentor team and cohort by offering insights, ideas, and collaboration.
Community
Actively contribute to a positive, welcoming, and professional community with peers.
Participate fully in NSF SOARS events and/or activities with occasional social events occurring outside of standard work hours, as well as funded travel opportunities.
Engage in technical and career development seminars with peers and scientists.
Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education & Experience
Must have previously participated as an NSF SOARS Protege;
Currently enrolled in a degree granting institution;
Working toward an academic degree in atmospheric science or a related field, (e.g. geosciences, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social and behavioral sciences) and an interest in pursuing a career in atmospheric or related STEM disciplines;
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
If you are not in good academic standing, please address the circumstances in your essay.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Willingness to contribute to the NSF SOARS mission (please see soars.ucar.edu for more details) .
Interest and desire to expand knowledge in the Earth system sciences or related fields.
Ability/potential to lead and collaborate with a group of peers and mentors.
Desire/potential to excel in a STEM career.
QUESTIONS?
For help with the Workday application process, please reach out to Meghan Myron-Karels ( meghanmk@ucar.edu ).
For general questions regarding the NSF SOARS program, please contact Marissa Vara ( marissav@ucar.edu ).
Commitment to Job Application Fairness
Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.
Some Final Considerations
At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Work Location
UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
AI Software
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