Paid Summer Research Opportunity: Agentic AI in Scientific Research
Steven Roberts is seeking two undergraduate students (or recent graduates) to participate in a funded summer research opportunity through the University of Washington eScience Institute.
The program supports undergraduate researchers interested in exploring how emerging AI tools can be applied to scientific research. Participants will work full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks beginning June 22, 2026, as part of a cohort of students from across the UW system. In addition to conducting research, students will receive training in agentic AI workflows, software tools, version control, scientific communication, professional development, and networking.
Within the group, students would explore how AI can enhance scientific research workflows in areas such as:
- Literature discovery and synthesis
- Scientific coding and data analysis
- Research notebook development and knowledge management
- Bioinformatics and genomics workflows
- Hypothesis generation and experimental design
- Development of AI-assisted research “playbooks” for future researchers
Ideally, the program pairs a more experienced undergraduate researcher with a student who is earlier in their research journey, allowing both students to learn together while contributing to a shared project.
The program includes:
- Full-time paid summer research experience
- Weekly AI training and professional development activities
- Networking with students and researchers across UW Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell
- Access to AI tools and computing resources
- Opportunities to present your work at a final symposium
Students with interests in biology, fisheries, marine science, data science, computer science, bioinformatics, statistics, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior AI experience is not required, but curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm for learning new tools are important.
If you are interested, please email Steven Roberts (sr320@uw.edu) as soon as possible with:
- A brief description of your background and research interests
- Your current year in school
- Any prior research, coding, data analysis, or AI experience
- A current resume (if available)