Application Selection Process and Notification

SULI Program Application Review and Selection Overview

I. Application Eligibility and Compliance

To be considered for the SULI program, applicants must meet all stated eligibility criteria and submit a complete application with all required materials.

• An initial review verifies applicant eligibility and confirms all required materials are provided.
• Only applications that meet all requirements will proceed to merit review.
• Evaluation and selection are based solely on the materials submitted through the electronic system.

II. Application Merit Review

Eligible applications undergo a thorough, consistent, and objective merit review based on pre-established criteria. This assessment considers:

• Academic performance, particularly in STEM coursework.
• Strength of recommendation letters.
• Expressed scientific interests.
• Applicant's background, experience, accomplishments, and interests as they relate to research programs at host laboratories.
• Application evaluators are independent of applicants and adhere to all relevant DOE rules and directives.

III. Selection and Placement

The number of SULI participants depends on available funding, programs, and staff.

• Following merit review, highly-rated applications are reviewed by laboratory scientific and technical research advisors, in coordination with DOE Laboratory Education Directors/Program Administrators.
• Research advisors select applicants whose skills, knowledge, and research interests best align with available intern research projects for the upcoming SULI term.
• Final selection and appointment rest with the host laboratory Education Director, with ultimate authority held by the Associate Director, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, Office of Science.
• Recruitment and selection are conducted without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, mental or physical disability, or veteran status.

IV. Notification

• Offer Method: A host laboratory/facility Education Director issues internship offers via a congratulatory email through the online application system, followed by a formal official offer package.
• Offer Package Details: The package includes information on stipend, housing, travel, program orientation, research advisor and project identification, institutional setting, special requirements, and expected deliverables.
• Acceptance Deadline: Offers must be accepted within 10 calendar days of receiving the formal offer.
• One Offer Rule: Only one offer will be extended per applicant during an application period. Declining an offer (even from a first-choice laboratory) means no additional or alternative offers will be made during that period.
• Communication: Upon receiving an offer, applicants are encouraged to communicate with their proposed research advisor.
• Final Appointment Contingency: Final appointment is contingent upon proof of citizenship or citizenship status and the successful outcome of a formal background check (if required).