Applicants must apply through www.Zintellect.com. All profile and application questions/requirements must be completed and both profile and application must be completed and submitted before application can be reviewed.

The profile and application will require:

1. Contact information
2. Education information (i.e. dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.)
3. Awards and honors
4. Employment information and nature of work
5. Information on special skills, research, areas of interest and /or expertise
6. An updated resume
7. Letters of recommendation or the contact information for the application system to send an online reference request to references
8. Unofficial academic record showing name, school name, current classes and GPA - official transcript is not required
9. Availability dates (if applicable)

For questions, contact ORNLedu@orau.org.

NESLS Goals

• Maximize the abilities of students through cooperative research with mentors at a national laboratory
• Increase on-the-job research opportunities
• Provide a learning environment useful to both national laboratories and students
• Train the next generation of nuclear scientists

Research areas of interest may include:

Nuclear Security Technologies: Material protection, control, and accounting, Radiation detection, Safeguards Transportation technologies, Arms control assessments, Fissile material, Detection Export control, Fissile material disposition, Nuclear threat reduction

Nuclear Systems Analysis, Design, and Safety: Radiation shielding, Systems analysis, Reactor physics, Facility safety, Criticality safety, Risk assessment, Thermal hydraulics, Regulatory support, Nuclear data and codes, System instrumentation and controls, Material and fuel irradiation, Enrichment technology, Advanced space reactors

Fuels, Isotopes, and Nuclear Materials: Nuclear fuels, Separations science and technology, Heavy element production, Nuclear process and equipment design, Stable and radioactive isotopes, Robotics and remote handling, Medical isotope development, Chemical engineering

While You Are Here:

• Enrich your laboratory experience by attending lectures, seminars and other opportunities to learn more about ORNL and the work of many outstanding speakers
• Network with laboratory research staff and with fellow students through work and social events
• Take technical tours of facilities at ORNL
• Prepare and present your project to laboratory staff and fellow students

Selection: The award will be based on mentor's selection and project funding availability.

Duration: The award term may vary but is usually an appointment of at least 10 weeks. Renewals/extensions are limited.

Benefits: Travel to and from (up to $500 each way); Housing allowance of $150/week if located more than 50 miles from Oak Ridge.

Health Insurance: Each participant is required to have coverage in a health insurance plan. It is the responsibility of each participant to secure insurance coverage before arriving at the appointed site.

All requirements to accept appointment must be met as stated in official selection notification and/or before start of appointment.

NESLS Weekly Stipend Rates:  Stipends are based on class status as shown below.  Stipends shown are based on full-time participation; stipends and housing allowance will be pro-rated if appointed part-time.

Class Status*

• First Year (Freshman) - $529/wk
• Second Year (Sophomore) - $593/wk
• Third Year (Junior) - $653/wk
• Fourth Year (Senior) - $726/wk
• Masters Student - $863/wk
• PhD Student - $935/wk

*Denotes class status completed prior to ORNL report date and as defined by college/university. Must be actively taking classes and not just enrolled.  Applicants must be continuing education in an accredited degree-seeking program if graduating with degree before or during appointment period. 

Spring deadline to apply is December 31, 2015.  Most selectees will be notified by March 15, 2016.

Have questions on how to apply? Contact Leslie Fox at ORNLedu@orau.org.  For general program questions or additional program information, contact Julie Ezold at ezoldjg1@ornl.gov.

Eligibility: The ORNL NESLS program is open to full- or part-time students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university in a nuclear engineering, science, or eligible related degree with a 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA at the time of appointment. Community college students must be working towards an Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering degree.  Applicants must be continuing education in an accredited degree-seeking program if graduating with degree before or during appointment period.  All awards and active participation in the program are contingent upon security access approval to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Qualifications: Student applicants will be chosen on the basis of academic performance, class standing, career goals, recommendations, and compatibility of educational interests and abilities with the needs of ORNL.

• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )

I certify that:

• My cumulative GPA is at least 3.0/4.0
• I will be at least 18 years old prior to the start of the appointment
• I am currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nuclear engineering, science or related eligible degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university OR
• If enrolled in an accredited community college, I am currently enrolled in an Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering degree program