Quantum Computing Internship for Physics Undergraduates Program (QCIPU)

Three- week undergraduate physics students interested in quantum computing for the simulation of physics participate in this three-week program to gain hands-on Python and Qiskit programming experience. Daily lectures on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and quantum computing are additional program components. The program culminates in participants running their own code on an IBM quantum computer.

QCIPU is a training platform that supports the next generation of scientific research and engineering professionals.

Eligibility

Enrollment in a U.S. college or university in Physics, Math, Computer Science, or Engineering
Completed year of introductory level Physics course
Eligible to work in the United States

Application Procedure
Before applying have all requirements ready. Once submitted, access to the application will no longer be available to upload any missing requirements.

Online Application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
Resume
Unofficial transcript
A short statement of interest in the topic (Two paragraphs is sufficient, no more than a page) Save in a pdf format upload under the Resume section.

Internship Details
Program Dates: June 7 – June 25, 2027

Application Period: November 3, 2026 – January 16, 2027
Offer Date: February 18, 2027
Acceptance Date: February 27, 2027
Salary: $20/hr.

Airfare/Housing/Transportation: Airfare, Housing and Ground transportation paid by the program if permanent address is more than 50 miles from host laboratory.

Location: Onsite work schedule

Program Outcomes

Basic Proficiency with Python and Qiskit through development of personal code base
Opportunity for a paid year-long internship at Fermilab researching quantum computing.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to internships@fnal.gov.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.