Radio Science & Technology Paid Summer Research Program / Fellowship

Haystack Observatory invites all interested undergraduate students to apply for our paid summer research positions in science, engineering, and computer science. Our REU program has been held for decades, and we have seen many of our student interns go on to rewarding careers in STEM research.

Applications will next be made available starting on U.S. Thanksgiving in November 2023 for the summer program in 2024. The program extends from early June to mid August each year. People from groups under-represented in STEM fields are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate students eligible for this program must not have graduated prior to the start of the summer internship in June.

Support is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. The National Science Foundation, which sponsors this program, requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to qualify for positions supported under the REU Program. Undergraduate students eligible for this program must not have graduated prior to the start of the summer internship in June.

MIT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Program Schedule

The Haystack REU program starts in early June and ends mid-August. The 2023 REU program at Haystack will run from June 4, 2023, through August 11, 2023.

A uniform start date is preferred in order to conduct orientation activities for the group. For students on an academic quarter system or those interested in extending their stay, such requests can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program Highlights

The Haystack summer undergraduate internship includes participation in the following:

Science discussions: Haystack staff members lead discussions on numerous current research subjects, which include introductory information for all students, as well as a chance for active conversation with scientists, engineers, and other staff.

Tours: Students will attend tours of the various Observatory facilities to learn about the extensive state-of-the-art instrumentation at Haystack.

Group meetings: In addition to the frequent meetings between the sponsoring staff member and the student, several meetings with all students are held to review project status and encourage interactions among the students.

Final reports and seminar: Students prepare brief final reports and create presentations on their projects to teach the Haystack community about their summer work.

Attendance at conferences: Depending on available funds and meeting schedules, there are opportunities for students to participate in national conferences.

Follow-up academic year program: Depending on available funds, interest, and project status, a student may continue the summer project during the following academic year.

Travel support: Limited travel support is available for those students whose homes and colleges are more than 100 miles away from Haystack.

Program Projects

Students are assigned a mentor from the Haystack research staff for their summer work.

At the end of the summer, students present their research to a general audience at the Observatory. Their presentations are available in the REU presentation archives.

Stipends

Compensation is provided as a weekly stipend of $600, paid biweekly.

Housing

The Observatory makes arrangements for student dormitory housing and pays the cost of housing for all students. Kitchen facilities are available in the dormitories. Daily transportation to and from Haystack is also provided.

(Students can arrange alternative housing on their own if they wish.)

Transportation

The Observatory provides free daily transportation for all students from REU housing to our offices.

Health Insurance

Accepted students must have a current medical insurance plan in place which will cover their health needs during the period of the REU program. Evidence of such insurance must be submitted upon acceptance, before the start of the program.

FAQS & REU 2023 projects

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)