U.S. DHS Transportation Security Laboratory Visiting Scientist Program

Opportunity Description:


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) Visiting Scientist Program is offering 10 week summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students.

As a TSL summer intern, you will 

  • Receive hands-on experience and individualized research opportunities and network with top scientists and researchers
  • Have access to a one-of-a-kind federal research lab and state-of-the-art equipment in explosives detection and mitigation.
  • Enhance your academic and professional preparation and increase your marketability.

You will receive a stipend based on your academic status:

  • Undergraduate student - $900 per week
  • Master's degree student - $1,100 per week
  • Doctoral degree student - $1,200 per week   

In addition, you may receive a Housing Allowance, if your permanent address is at least 50 miles from the hosting facility. 

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

In order to be considered, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years old by May 1, 2022.
  • Meet one of the following conditions:
    • Undergraduate Student: Be enrolled as a full-time student at a U.S. accredited college or university pursuing a degree in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or similar.
    • Graduate Student: Be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university pursuing a degree in in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or similar.

Applicants located in or near the Atlantic City International Airport area are encouraged to apply.

Application Process: 

A completed application consists of:

  • A completed Zintellect profile (the link to the job posting can be found here)
  • Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the TSL Visiting Scientist Program)
  • Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records submitted by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. 
  • One (1) Recommendation - Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted.  At least one recommendation must be submitted for your application to be considered complete. You may request more than one recommendation. Recommendation must be received in the Zintellect system by Tuesday, February 22, 2022 11:59 PM EST.
    • Recommenders are asked to describe your Scientific Capabilities and Personal Characteristics and must specify how they know you. The best recommendations are from professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential for success.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, please send an email to DHSed@orau.org.

Application Deadline: 

Tuesday, February 22, 2022
For more information on this opportunity, please contact: