Student Worker - PRISM Applied Research Intern

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

JOB TITLE

Student Worker - PRISM Applied Research Intern

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Florida Polytechnic University’s Program for Research, Innovation, Science & Mobility (PRISM) is a selective applied research internship that connects high-performing undergraduate students with distinguished Florida Poly faculty, graduate research fellows, and industry-relevant research opportunities.
PRISM provides students with hands-on experience addressing complex challenges in areas critical to Florida’s economic growth, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness. Research opportunities may include aerospace, smart and intelligent mobility, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum science, life sciences and biotechnology, water security, critical materials, and energy.

Selected PRISM Applied Research Interns will engage in faculty-mentored research while developing the technical, analytical, communication, and professional skills needed for future graduate study and careers in research and industry.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The PRISM Intern will:

• Participate in faculty-directed applied research projects within an assigned research area.
• Conduct research, data collection, experimentation, analysis, modeling, literature reviews, or other project activities as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with Florida Poly faculty, graduate research fellows, students, and research partners.
• Attend scheduled research meetings and provide updates regarding project progress.
• Maintain accurate research documentation, records, data, and project materials.
• Assist with the preparation of research findings, technical reports, presentations, posters, or other scholarly products.
• Apply appropriate research methods, laboratory practices, safety requirements, and professional standards.
• Develop an understanding of how academic research translates into industry-relevant solutions and economic innovation.
• Participate in professional development, research seminars, networking activities, and other PRISM program activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, intellectual curiosity, initiative, dependability, and commitment to academic and research excellence.
• Perform other research-related duties appropriate to the assigned project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Florida Polytechnic University.
• Sophomore standing or higher.
• Minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA.
• Demonstrated academic achievement and interest in applied research.
• Ability to commit up to 10 hours per week to research and PRISM activities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and research integrity.

Required Application Materials:

Applicants must submit:

• Current resume.
• Unofficial Florida Polytechnic University transcript.
• One letter of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose describing the applicant:
• academic and professional goals;
• interest in participating in applied research; and
• alignment with the mission and objectives of the PRISM program.

Program Benefits:

• Students selected for PRISM will receive a 30-week paid applied research experience at $15.00 per hour for up to 10 hours per week, along with direct faculty mentorship and access to Florida Poly’s research and innovation ecosystem.
• Participants will also have opportunities to build professional and research networks, strengthen their résumés and graduate-school portfolios, develop greater independence as researchers, and broaden their perspectives through engagement with scholars, researchers, and industry leaders.
• Students who successfully complete program requirements will receive a Presidential Certificate of Completion and may be considered for nomination for nationally competitive and prestigious opportunities.

Faculty Research Mentors:

• Participating faculty include Dr. Ian Bentley, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, Dr. Karim Elish, and Dr. Jun Kim. Research assignments will be based on program needs, faculty research areas, and alignment with the selected student’s interests and qualifications.

About PRISM:

• PRISM advances Florida Polytechnic University’s commitment to applied research, student talent development, and industry engagement. The program integrates academic excellence, applied research, industry-relevant problem-solving, professional development, and global engagement to prepare exceptional students to contribute to Florida’s innovation economy.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• This position requires a criminal background check.
• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The work schedule for this position will be discussed with the hiring manager, depending upon the student’s class schedule. Thursday and Friday availability is a plus.

EXPECTED STARTING SALARY: $15.00 hourly.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position is open until filled.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting.   Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered. 

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire. 

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.