ORNL Pathways to Computing Internship Program (PCIP)

Opportunity Description:

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 Summit, the world’s 2nd most powerful supercomputer.

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.

Program details:

• Start date of June 6, 2022; end date of August 12, 2022
• Stipend rate of $650 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 supplement of $150 per week
• Non-local students may be eligible for up to $500 towards reimbursement of expenses related to travel to Oak Ridge, TN for the appointment period.
• Virtual Appointments: In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments may be hosted virtually.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

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)

Applicants are expected to have an interest in one or more of the listed primary focus areas. The statement of purpose and description of preferred focus areas provide an opportunity for the applicant to describe their connection to and goals related to these areas. Previous experience is not a requirement for participation.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (including accredited community colleges) at time of application and continuing into the fall 2022 semester
  • Full-time enrollment status is determined by the number of hours or courses the school requires for full-time attendance (as defined by the Internal Revenue Service)
  • Seniors graduating in May/June 2022 or earlier will not be eligible for application or selection as continuation as an undergraduate in fall 2022 is required
• Must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application Process: 

The application will require:

1. Profile information (i.e., name, contact information, etc.)
2. Education information (i.e., dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.)
3. Relevant experiences (e.g., internships, employment)
4. Awards, certifications, and licenses
5. Relevant skills
6. Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose is your opportunity to explain your reason for pursuing this internship experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. You should describe previous research, technical and/or professional experience, skills, and abilities that are relevant to this opportunity. Describe how this specific opportunity aligns with your academic/career goals. Feel free to tell us about yourself, what challenges you may have had to overcome to reach your goals or to get where you are.
7. Preferred focus area: You will be asked to select for first and second preferred focus areas from the list provided. You will also need to briefly describe what interests you about these areas.
8. Official transcript or unofficial academic record (most recent available) showing name, school name, current classes, cumulative GPA, received degrees (if applicable). If selected, official transcript will be required prior to start date.
9. An updated resume/CV (optional)
10. Name and contact information for your professional or academic recommender

To be considered for selection, applications must be submitted within the Zintellect system and fully complete including one recommendation.

Application Deadline: