NSF SOARS Returning Protege

Overview

UCAR is excited to announce the application opening of the NSF 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 to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. The program supports success in higher education and in the ESS workforce to contribute to solving scientific and societal challenges and supporting economic growth in the 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 $1132.80/week), untaxed.

Note:

NSF SOARS Proteges stipends are not taxed and may require filing a 1099 for personal tax reporting/filing purposes.

Application Notes

Final date to receive applications:
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 shown on transcripts.
• NSF SOARS Returning Protege Questionnaire (to be answered at the time of application).
• Mentors identified for this summer? If yes, include name/email here; if not, indicate if you need NSF SOARS to find a mentor(s).
• What are your research interests this summer?
• Would you like to participate in a special project?
• Are you deferring participation for this summer, or do you intend to return?
• What is your anticipated graduation date?
• Short Answer Essay:
  Describe how you will use continued participation in NSF SOARS to support your interests and goals, including ideas for this summer’s research and any steps you have already taken.

Background checks are conducted for candidates who are offered the internship opportunity. Learn more.

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 USC
1324b(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. Note that benefits listed in the Benefits Overview section do not apply to summer interns.

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. You will take ownership of your summer experience and work to strengthen your scientific and professional skills.

As an NSF SOARS Protege, you will engage in the following opportunities and responsibilities and uphold the UCAR Participant Code…