The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, a major research center, is pleased to announce opportunities for college and university undergraduate students to participate in the Laboratory's ongoing research programs. In addition to such opportunities, the U.S. Department of Energy is directly sponsoring research participation at other DOE facilities.  At Argonne, college/university students may obtain research experience through the Department of Energy's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program or the Student Research Participation Program.  To apply for the program at Argonne or another DOE Laboratory, you must submit an application at the Department of Energy web site for this undergraduate program. If you need assistance with the DOE application, please e-mail sc.helpwithapplication@science.doe.gov.

For the Argonne Student Research Participation Program, apply only through the Argonne Division of Educational Programs at http://www.dep.anl.gov/catalog/application.html. These programs extend for a ten week period which begins on May 29, 2012 and runs through August 3, 2012. There is limited flexibility in the appointment period. In addition to their research activities, participants attend a series of seminars and tours dealing with current topics in science and engineering.

At Argonne, college/university students may obtain research experience through the Department of Energy's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Program or the Student Research Participation Program during the summer and academic year. A student will generally spend the first week of his/her Argonne experience with an Argonne staff member devising a research strategy and attending mandatory safety classes. For the next few weeks, the supervisor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance. Subsequently, the student will be expected to complete a research abstract and submit a final research report.

Areas of Research

Basic scientific research programs in Physical and Life Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. Also applied research programs relating to Energy, Conservation, Environmental Impact and Technology, Nanomaterials, National Security, and Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems. Search the Research Projects Catalog for specific research project descriptions available at Argonne.

Eligibility

To be considered, an applicant must meet all eligibility requirements and submit an application comprising of all required materials. To assess eligibility, and prior to the merit assessment and evaluation, an initial review of all applications will be conducted to verify applicant eligibility and ensure all the required application materials have been provided. Only those applications meeting all requirements will be advanced for merit review and selection. The application materials received will provide the sole basis for the evaluation and selection (includes 2 letters of reference and an unofficial transcript).

Students are recruited from all U.S. undergraduate institutions and must: (a) currently be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student; (b) be interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; (c) be 18 years or older at the start of the program; (d) U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident at the time of applying; (e) have a cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and (f) have proof of coverage under a health insurance plan for the duration of their internship. It is the responsibility of each participant to secure insurance coverage before arriving at Argonne.

Applicants who will complete their undergraduate degree prior to starting their internship may apply as a “Other”, if (1) the application has not yet started a program of graduate study and will not matriculate as a graduate student prior to participating in the program; and (2) the time period between receipt of an undergraduate degree and starting the program is less than one year.

Selection for any program is based upon a student's academic record, statement of interests, and his/her faculty recommendations.

Notification

Students who are selected will be notified by email. The email will include the official offer package providing details of the project, stipend, housing, travel reimbursement, etc. Only one offer will be extended to an applicant during an application period. If the applicant declines, no additional or alternative offer will be made.

Financial Information

During the appointment period, participants receive a stipend of $425 per week and housing or a housing allowance. Stipends, housing, and travel are considered taxable income by the IRS. The Laboratory is required by law to report this income.

Transportation Reimbursement

Transportation expenses are reimbursed for one round trip between your home or academic institution (the address on the student's drivers license will be used to establish eligibility for travel reimbursement) and the facility. Travel will only be paid for students whose permanent addresses established by your drivers license is more than fifty miles away from Argonne. Transportation expenses will be reimbursed on the basis of the most direct route. Travel by a private automobile will be reimbursed at the current government rate up to a maximum of $500.00 or the cost of the lowest commercial airfare, whichever is lower. Travel by air will be reimbursed at the cost of the lowest commercial airfare. Travel arrangements are arranged by the host Division at Argonne.

Housing

Apartment type lodging facility is available on site. All housing arrangements for single students are handled by Argonne's Educational Programs.

Costs

Students pay the appropriate tuition to their home university. In most cases, students receiving financial aid remain eligible for their school's financial aid program. Students should consult their financial aid office.

Application Requirements

The application requirements include unofficial undergraduate transcripts for each undergraduate academic institution attended and two (2) letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to make the requests for recommendation letters as soon as possible.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform their recommenders that they must submit the recommendation letter before the deadline. Letters can be sent by snail mail, email, or fax.

Application Procedure

We encourage you to fill out an application electronically:   

DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Application

Argonne Student Research Participation Program Application

Contact Information

Emily Mancini
DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program
Communications, Education and Public Affairs Division
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439-4845
E-mail: emancini@anl.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply if I don't currently have legal permanent resident alien (LPR) status, but I know I will get it before my appointment starts?
2. I am a Legal Permanent Resident, but my passport from my home country has expired. What do I list for my passport number and expiration date?
3. This program states that it provides opportunities to undergraduate students. If I will graduate before the internship term for which I am applying, am I eligible to participate?
4. I'm an undergraduate student, but I won't be 18 years old for another year. If this program is for undergraduate students, why can't I participate?
5. Do I have to have health insurance coverage to apply or can I wait until I'm selected to acquire it?
6. Can I transfer my previous recommendations to my new application?
7. Do my recommendation letters need to reach you by the deadline?
8. Who should I get to write my letters of recommendation?
9. Am I required to submit transcripts?
10. Can I get in touch with scientists in areas I've chosen? Is this advisable?
11. Will you let me know if I am missing parts of my application?
12. How does the selection process work?
13. How are applications judged?
14. What are my chances of getting selected?
15. Is this program only for natural science, engineering, mathematics, or computer science majors?
16. When and how will I find out if I've been selected?
17. If I decline an offer from my first choice laboratory will I be considered by the second choice laboratory?
18. If I don't get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
19. If I request a certain field of study am I guaranteed to be placed in it if I am accepted into the program?
20. What if I can only participate for a portion of the appointment period due to other commitments?
21. Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
22. Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
23. How often do I receive a stipend payment?
24. What is my tax liability for the stipend I am paid as a participant in this program?
25. What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
26. Can I receive undergraduate credit for my internship?
27. Does the program pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating if I am taking this for college credit?
28. Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation at the end of my appointment?
29. What should I expect from the mentoring relationship at Argonne?
30. Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?