Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Particle & Geo-Science Fellowship

Prestigious research fellowship conducting experiments 4,850 feet underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (the former Homestake gold mine) on dark matter detection (LZ experiment), neutrino physics (DUNE), and deep-subsurface extremophile geomicrobiology.

Official university details ↗Research checked, not sponsored

Application checklist & requirements

These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.

Academic degree / Prerequisites: Enrolled graduate or upper-division student in physics, engineering, or geology with 3.3+ GPA
English language proficiency: TOEFL 85+
Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT): Exempt
Thesis / Research statement: SURF research project proposal
Recommendation letters: Two faculty recommendations

How much will it cost? How much funding is available?

Financial support / stipend: $6,000 summer research stipend, underground lab access, and SURF dormitory housing
Application fee: $0
Tuition / joining costs: Funded by South Dakota Mines SURF Research Consortium

Dates and verification

Application deadline: February 15, 2027
Last source review: 2026-10-16

Official university details ↗South Dakota Mines guide ↗Mentorship ↗Ask us — free ↗

Important verification note

Facts reflect official South Dakota School of Mines & Technology documentation reviewed 2026-10-16. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.

Reviewed 2026-10-16 · Editorial standards · Report an issue