Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

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.

Why should I apply? 

As a TSL summer intern, you will 

• Receive hands-on experience in your field and network with top scientists and researchers.
• Have access to unique facilities and state-of-the-art equipment in explosives detection and mitigation.
• Enhance your academic and professional preparation to pursue a career in disciplines that support the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Where will I be located? 

TSL is located in Atlantic City, NJ at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport.

What are the benefits? 

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. 

What is the anticipated start date?

Summer internships typically occur between May and September. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection.

Security Clearance

Although you will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DHS or any other office or agency, you must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance for the duration of your appointment.

Nature of the Appointment

You will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DHS or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Learn more about the DHS TSL Visiting Scientist Program at https://orise.orau.gov/tsl/. 

About TSL

The mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) is to serve as the leading federal laboratory for the applied research, development, integration, and validation of cutting edge science and technology solutions for the detection and mitigation of explosives and conventional weapons threats in order to secure the homeland. The TSL has approximately 140 full time employees split amongst federal and contract staff members, with a wide variety of backgrounds, including chemists, physicists, engineers, , and explosive specialists. Established in 1992 at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, the TSL’s 12 acre secure campus includes specialized explosive storage and handling areas and a multi-laboratory infrastructure designed for research, development, and test and evaluation of technology for explosives and weapon detection and blast mitigation. TSL’s team of physicists, chemists, and engineers, is internationally recognized for its unique ability to advance technology from conception to deployment through applied research, development, prototyping, test and evaluation, assessment, certification, and systems qualifications, and laboratory assessment testing. TSL is also internationally recognized for its role in the development of standards, protocols, and test articles for detection technology assessments.

For additional information about the TSL, visit: https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/transportationsecurity-laboratory.

Only students meeting the following conditions will be considered:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years of age by 5/1/2021.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university during the 2021 spring term.
• Have medical insurance during your time at the laboratory.
• Be able to commit to onsite, full-time participation for ten consecutive weeks.

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

A completed application consists of:

• Profile Information
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the TSL Visiting Scientist Program)
• Academic Records - For this opportunity, unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records provided by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted. Academic records must include the name of the student and in progress and completed coursework as of Fall 2020.
• Current resume/CV
• 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.
  • 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.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Physics (16 )
• Age: Must be 18 years old by 5/1/2021