Where Can a Physics Undergrad Find Summer Work in Their Field?

AI Thread Summary
For undergraduate students in mathematical physics seeking summer employment related to their field, exploring research opportunities is highly recommended. Programs like Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) in the U.S. and the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Research Awards (NSERC USRAs) in Canada provide paid research positions that align with academic studies. Although application deadlines may have passed for some opportunities, checking university websites for remaining openings is advised. Additionally, institutions like TRIUMF at UBC may have summer job listings, though many have early deadlines. Students should also consider cooperative education (COOP) programs offered by their universities for practical work experience.
NeoDevin
Messages
334
Reaction score
2
I'm in my third year of undergrad mathematical physics, at University of Alberta, Canada. I want to find a job this summer that pays decently, but is strongly related to my field. Thing is, I don't know where to start looking really, do you guys have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I do. Ask your professors about REU opportunities. It might have a slightly different name at your university, but REUs are basically paid summer research opportunities for undergraduates. It's not a "job" per se. But you make about the same amount of money, and your research will be in some area of physics.
 
We have them at our university in Auckalnd NZ, they pay better than a summer job and are tax free :D
 
arunma said:
I do. Ask your professors about REU opportunities. It might have a slightly different name at your university, but REUs are basically paid summer research opportunities for undergraduates. It's not a "job" per se. But you make about the same amount of money, and your research will be in some area of physics.

Yes, in Canada the equivalent are "NSERC USRA"'s - "National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Research Awards".

It might be a little late to apply for these now, but it might be worth looking at some of the university websites to see if there are any whose deadlines haven't passed yet.

You can also try looking at TRIUMF, out at UBC, to see if they're still taking applications for any summer jobs: www.triumf.ca. Unfortunately, I think all of the jobs listed under "Undergraduate Student Jobs" had a deadline of Jan 24th, but who knows, something might open up in the future.

You can also try this, whose deadline is still open:

http://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/job-openings/CQIQC2007.pdf

At very least, if you're not going to graduate next year (or even if you are), these are things to keep in mind for next year.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hmm, are there anything besides REUs in the summer?
 
Doesn't your university offer COOP?
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Back
Top