Biological Science

• 3-6 month paid internship, starting around late-July or early-Aug.
• Onsite dorm housing in Edgewater, MD available.
• Open until filled. 
• A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.
• https://serc.si.edu/internships/opportunities/technology-in-ecology-intern

At the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), the Technology in Ecology Lab collaborates extensively to design and support technological innovation and production to serve ecological research, experimental design and data infrastructure.  We develop and support several ongoing climate change experiments such as SMARTX, GENX, and MERIT, and maintain sensor and data infrastructure for the MarineGEO chemical and physical observations program.  Additionally, we have been developing open source, “D-I-Y” solutions for ecological research. Ongoing work includes Arduino and Xbee-based dataloggers and feedback controllers for ecosystem manipulation experiments and developing methods for DIY measurements of CO2 and methane production in coastal wetland systems. We operate at the interface of ecology, engineering, and programming and leverage work from experiments to build lower cost sensor systems.

We are seeking a paid intern to advance our Breathe Baltimore Community-Based Air Quality Monitoring Project. Co-led by the EJJI, this initiative aims to advance low-cost air quality monitoring to support communities in South Baltimore affected by poor air quality. Traditional air quality monitoring methods often lack the spatial and temporal resolution needed to capture hyperlocal variations, leading to mischaracterization of regional air quality. By developing affordable sensor-based solutions, our project seeks to increase the accessibility of real-time air quality data and empower communities.

We are seeking a curious and proactive individual who thrives in an adaptive learning environment and can work both independently and collaboratively. The ideal candidate should be eager to troubleshoot challenges, confidently seek guidance when needed, and contribute their own ideas to improve system design and implementation. This internship will offer hands-on experience working with emerging environmental sensor technology, electronic prototyping, and data processing. Work will be conducted in both lab and field settings, with occasional outdoor testing to evaluate sensor performance in real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, fabricating, and programming electronics, sensors, and DIY monitoring systems
• Maintaining technical documentation and open-source protocols to support research accessibility
• Analyzing sensor data to ensure quality and reliability
• Participating in modest fieldwork, including sensor deployment and environmental testing
• Providing technical support for multiple ongoing projects within the lab

You may be a great fit if you have:

• Familiarity with prototype fabrication, documentation and DIY production.
• Understanding of environmental sensor care, calibration, and design
• Programming experience (Arduino/C++, Python, MATLAB, and/or R)
• Knowledge of telemetry, and IoT and Radio networks for data transmission
• ETL/ELT data processes
• Experience with CAD/production tools (Autodesk Fusion 360, Eagle, or similar)
• Educational background in:
  • Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Environmental Engineering/Systems Engineering
  • Computer Science/Data Science

We understand that candidates may not have expertise in every area listed above. Our lab offers opportunities to develop skills in:

• Topics related to ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and wetland science
• Electronics prototype production and fabrication
• Environmental data analysis, including QA/QC methodologies for sensor data
• Advanced use of Eagle, Autodesk, and Campbell Scientific dataloggers
• R-Shiny for interactive data visualization
• GitHub for collaborative coding and project management

As a single PDF, please send a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications, a resume, and the names of two references to richr@si.edu.

Full internship posting: https://forestgeo.si.edu/forestgeo-ecology-intern

ForestGEO is an organization led by the Smithsonian that studies the growth and survival of the world’s forests. The ForestGEO network is unparalleled in both size and scope – a global network of 78 research sites across 29 countries monitoring approximately 7 million trees and nearly 12,000 species. Despite already achieving this massive scale, immediate action is needed to improve the efficiency of ForestGEO data collection and management.

This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the ecology intern will work closely with both scientists and software engineers to accelerate the pace of research for ecologists around the world. The intern will work with software engineers on the ForestGEO App, a web application that enables researchers to record, validate, and publish ForestGEO census data. The ForestGEO app is new software in development, and the intern will play a critical role in testing, enhancing user experience, and onboarding new researchers. Full specification for the app is available here: github.com/Smithsonian/ForestGEO/wiki/ForestGEO-App-Specification.

The intern will review, clean, and analyze data from the ForestGEO tree growth database, identify data integrity issues, and work to resolve them under the supervision of David Kenfack, ForestGEO Africa Program Coordinator, and Stuart Davies, ForestGEO Director.

As the ecology intern for this project, you will make a global impact on an urgent and meaningful mission. You will learn from a diverse range of collaborators while shaping the future of forest science.

Learning Objectives: Through this internship, the intern will:

• Develop core technical skills from assisting the development of new forest research software, including testing and UX design.
• Learn about the diversity and the ecology of tropical forests.
• Develop understanding of biodiversity databases and research workflows.
• Develop computational skill on data analysis.
• Gain exposure to a non-profit, international program by collaborating with STRI and global partners.

Experience: Experience will be best suited for candidates to whom the following applies:

• Students who are enrolled in a four-year college or university or recent college graduates
• Familiarity with the basics of ecology and forest science.
• Experience with ArcGIS, MySQL, UX design, and the R programming language would be an advantage.
   

Office Location: ForestGEO Headquarters, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Position is up to 100 percent remote.

Desired Hours: Full-time or part-time, ideally 20 hours per week minimum.

Timeframe: 3-6 months.

To apply: Send a single PDF file containing a cover letter and CV/resume to Lauren Krizel, ForestGEO Program Manager, krizell@si.edu. Closing date for applications is 7 July 2025.

Job Title: Coral Reef Restoration Intern – Fall 2025

Session Dates: Sept 2nd – Dec 19th

Application Deadline: June 23, 2025 (but link hasn’t yet been closed as of July 2…)

Link to application: https://reefrenewalusa.org/get-involved/#internship

About Reef Renewal USA: 

• Founded in 2019 by Ken Nedimyer and Mike Echevarria, Reef Renewal USA (RRUSA) is a non-profit coral restoration organization in the Florida Keys. Before his days with RRUSA, Ken founded Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) in 2007, and both he and Mike helped grow CRF into a leading force for coral restoration. Later on, they partnered together to create RRUSA with the hopes of pioneering innovative solutions and adaptable approaches to save our coral reefs. 
• Our Vision: Renewing reefs for future generations in a rapidly changing world.
• Our Mission: Produce and outplant resilient corals of the future at an unprecedented scale.

The job description:  This unique internship takes place in the Florida Keys and is hosted by Reef Renewal USA. We are actively seeking two dynamic interns who will embark on a journey of hands-on, immersive training and activities focused on coral reef restoration. Additionally, interns will play a vital role in community engagement and gain valuable experience in nonprofit management.  

Scheduled to commence on September 2 and concluding on December 19, this internship spans approximately four months, offering a comprehensive and enriching experience. Join us in making a positive impact on coral reefs and communities alike!  

An ideal candidate would have the following:  

• Open Water SCUBA Certified (through a recognized certification body–NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.)  
• Certify that you have at least 30 dives,10 of which must be ocean dives, and 10 from a boat.  
• At least one logged dive within a year of internship start date  
• Training beyond Open Water Scuba  
• Active Oxygen Administration certification  
• Active CPR/First Aid certification  
• Photo and video skills  
• To participate in diving, candidates will be required to provide: RSTC document (attached) or dive physical, Proof of diving certification, Proof of active dive insurance (DAN)  
• Currently enrolled in a credit-bearing degree program* or a recent graduate 
• In order to participate in diving, you must own or have access to working condition and reliable dive gear (excluding tanks). This includes BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, wetsuit, weights, and gloves. The internship host will provide all Coral related working tools.  
• Must have a working computer.  
• Vehicular transportation is the responsibility of the intern.  
• Coral work requires a high level of physical activity and/or physical exertion. Interns must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead. 
• A typical work week is 40 hours a week but may also include some weekends and holidays.  
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and time management skills. 
• Able to work well and interact with the public and our volunteers. 
• Able to engage and educate audiences about marine life and ecosystems of FL Keys.  
• Ability to work well in a team environment, but also work well independently. 
• Flexible and ability to take initiative and successfully complete assigned tasks.  
• Come with an open and curious mind and a willingness to learn and grow.  
• *If you qualify for school credit, we will work with you and the school to fulfill requirements.  

Benefits  

• $900/month living stipend. Each intern will receive their own stipend.  
• 2-1 supervisory ratio in immersive coral restoration training. 
• Focused attention from RRUSA staff. 
•  No office location, remote work required on land days. 

 Internship Description & Outcomes  

• The internship is designed to be an introduction to coral reef restoration and nonprofit management. It is generally land based, but the candidates will have exposure as a RRUSA volunteer diver during their internship. They will report directly to Reef Renewal USA staff.  
• This position represents the opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of coral restoration specialists and marine biologists. They will learn the basics of coral reef restoration theory and nonprofit management, while participating in RRUSA’s innovations. Our hope is to advance the legacy of RRUSA by passing on this passion for restoring Florida’s Coral Reef and reefs around the world onto the next generation.  
• While in this position, you will act as a volunteer for Reef Renewal USA and must sign a volunteer waiver to participate in RRUSA on water activities. 

Topics Covered in Internship at RRUSA  

• Species identification  
• Public speaking  
• Professionalism  
• Nonprofit Management  
• Volunteer Coordination  
• Grant Reporting  
• Grant Writing  
• Data Management 
• Digital Media  
• Science Communications  
• Community engagement  
• Coral husbandry  
• Coral restoration techniques  
• Boulder coral fragmentation 

 Internship Learning Outcomes 

• Identify main coral species that RRUSA grows and works with.  
• Have a basic understanding of coral biology, reproduction, and coral reef ecosystems.  
• Can effectively communicate the basics of RRUSA coral restoration efforts.  
• Can perform coral nursery maintenance techniques.  
• Can effectively coordinate and manage volunteers.  
• Experience in communications across various social media platforms. 
• Experience in grant writing and reporting. 

YMCA Earth Service Corps in Seattle is hiring. A brief overview is below and a full position description is available at this link: https://www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org/earth-service-corps-1

Want to work over the school year with some amazing teenagers in the greater Seattle area? Want to inspire and support the next generation as they develop leadership skills to address the environmental challenges of our time? Want to develop your own professional skills? Check out the YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) Program Instructor position!

• Position Description is here and application link is here.
• This is an AmeriCorps position from Sept. 2, 2025 -July 15, 2026.
• Benefits include a living stipend of $2,438.10 – 2,548 per month, a $7,395 Education Award, student loan forbearance and payment of interest that accrues, health insurance, and more!
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until July 1^st.
• Applicants must be 21 and US Citizens to qualify for this AmeriCorps position. Learn more about AmeriCorps here.
• Want to learn more? Contact YESC Director Chelsey Wheeler at cwheeler@seattleymca.org or 206-466-1048.

Conservation Corps work all over the U.S. on projects ranging in focus from Ecology to History: Conservation Legacy and Corps Network.  You can serve on a crew with other young(er) folks, or be placed individually.  Most positions will come with an AmeriCorps stipend, education award, and other benefits.

Open Positions

Biomedical Research Internships Resources (PDF)

Paid internships all around the country, ranging from 3 to 12 months, most with housing provided and an AmeriCorps Education award upon completion.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

MANO (My Access to Network Opportunities) Project, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation, builds and develops young leaders of color who share a passion for serving and strengthening their communities. We partner with federal land management agencies (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many more!) to offer robust and hands-on internship and fellowship opportunities for those pursuing college degrees (undergraduate and graduate) or recently graduated individuals. All of our internships and fellowships are rooted in supporting the Conservation of our Natural Resources through diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) positions. 

Apply for Internships through MANO

New internship opportunities open on a rolling basis so we encourage you to visit our page on a monthly basis. If you see a position is open past the end date, it is still accepting applicants and you are encouraged to apply.

For students and faculty in search of internships with government laboratories:

• Zintellect – Climb Higher
• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Summer and school-year internships with GSK, a science-led global healthcare and pharmaceutical company: