Undergraduate interns are assigned to the supervision of one or more UTSI professors and given a long-term research project to complete over the 9-week summer course. At the end of their appointment, interns summarize their research in individual final reports and discuss their findings in short presentations. Some travel may be required. Additional educational opportunities are provided, including engineering seminars and a career panel discussion.

Requirements

The Summer Research Intern Program at UTSI in Tullahoma, TN provides undergraduate students with research experiences. Interns are assigned to the supervision of one or more UTSI professors and given a long-term research project to complete over the course of the summer. At the end of their appointment, interns summarize their research in individual final reports and discuss their findings in short presentations. Some travel may be required. Additional educational opportunities are provided, including engineering seminars and a career panel discussion.

Employment Details:

• 9 Week Summer Internship
• Application Deadline: February 23
• Position Type: Temporary, Part-time (75%)
• Salary: Total of $4,050 stipend ($15.00/hr x 30 hrs/wk x 9 wks)
• Location: UTSI campus in Tullahoma, Tennessee
• Starts On: June 1, 2026
• Ends On: July 31, 2026

Travel: Some travel to other facilities may be required.

Requirements:

These internships are open to undergraduate students who are majoring in physics, chemistry, material science, computer science, mathematics, all branches of engineering, and related fields. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older. Candidates must have an interest in attending graduate school at UTSI. Candidates should also have enthusiasm for research, a desire to learn, and the ability to work well with others. Depending upon the fund source, U.S. citizenship may be a requirement. Selected candidates must be authorized and eligible for employment. Current U.S. federal immigration law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. International students are responsible for applying for their own visa as may be required.

Research Opportunities

Summer Research Interns participate in “real world” projects under the supervision of experienced researchers. The work interns perform is meaningful and contributes to the success of the institute. The program seeks to match interns with research projects that are of interest to them and will provide growth relating to their education and career goals.

Housing

Upon offer and acceptance of the internship, information on the housing application process will be emailed to the candidate.

A limited amount of on-campus housing is available for summer research interns. There is no cost associated with staying in the dormitory but sharing the space with a roommate is a good possibility.

Application

The Summer Research Intern Program is classified within the UT system as a part-time, student position. Interested applicants must submit an online application through the University of Tennessee’s Human Resources Job Opportunity portal. The application for the summer 2026 internship program is now open. The application deadline is Monday, February 23.

At least one Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is required. The applicant must request a Letter of Recommendation from an individual who can state the following: assess your academic abilities, academic accomplishments and motivation, work habits, potential as a researcher, and your ability to participate in and benefit from a research internship program. This individual must then email the letter to intern@utsi.edu and reference the applicant’s name and include “Letter of Recommendation” in subject line – Example: Jane A. Student – Letter of Recommendation.

*AN APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN A RESUME, LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, AND TRANSCRIPT ARE SUBMITTED. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the following:

Application-Employment inquiries – UTSI Human Resources
            Email: intern@utsi.edu 
            Ph: 931-393-7233
Program inquiries – UTSI Summer Research Intern Coordinator: Meghan Morris
            Email: mmorris@utsi.edu 
            Ph: 931-393-7213