At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. 

Position Description:

This internship is designed to provide STEM students in their baccalaureate years with experience working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Applied Water Science Laboratory team, which includes microbiology, chemistry, and instrumentation. Additionally, the program seeks to increase the diversity of scientists involved in conservation & aquatic animal science. 

Students will assist Water Science Laboratory staff with instrument calibration and maintenance, daily rounds, chemistry and microbiology testing, and participate in laboratory safety training, as required. They will also observe & assist applied water science staff, including aquatic life support operators, data management, and the environmental discharge management to facilitate a better understanding of these aspects of applied water science at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The student is require to design, implement, and present a final project pertinent to the Aquarium and Applied Water Science at the end of the internship. 

The work environment includes, but is not limited to, behind the scenes areas, the Water Science Laboratory, and office time. It may include work in wet, slippery areas, hot and humid areas, variable temperatures, and varying weather conditions. Locations may also vary between the Monterey Bay Aquarium, various off-site facilities, and field sites around Monterey Bay. 

Eligibility:

Successful applicants should be:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master's degree program 
• In good academic standing
• Able to work safely in a laboratory environment utilizing handheld laboratory tools, such as pipettes

Internship Dates:

The Applied Water Science Internship is offered in the summer through fall of 2025 for up to 480 hours, tentatively June-December. Interns may choose either two (preferred) or three eight hour days per week or a combination of half and full days to accommodate class schedules. Weekend work is unavailable as the lab operates Monday-Friday. 

Application Period:

Applied Water Science Internship applications are due by March 7, 2025.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program by May 2, 2025. 

Upload your Application Documents:

1. Resume/CV
2. Letter of Interest*
3. Minimum of Two Letters of Reference**

*Your letter of interest should include:

• What experience you have
• What you hope to gain from the placement
• How you heard about the internship 
• Your career goals
• Your field of interest(s) in Applied Water Science
• How your selection will help achieve enhanced diversity in the profession

**Submit two letters of reference via EMAIL to mmussey@mbayaq.org. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered 

Please note: the Laboratory Manager may not always be on site in which case you will be completing your placement alongside the Applied Water Science teams. 

College credit may be available. Please refer to your college/university's student services division. 

Please direct all questions and inquiries to mmussey@mbayaq.org.