The SERC Internship Experience

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) internship program offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and public engagement. Internships are professional learning experiences available to currently enrolled undergraduate and Master's students, or students who have recently graduated from undergraduate or Master's programs.  

SERC offers both in-person and remote internships throughout the year with the majority of internships taking place in the summer. All SERC interns are paid a minimum stipend of $650 per week, and for most interns, on-site dormitory housing is available. Internship appointments are typically full time (40 hours per week) and 10 to 16 weeks in length. 

The internship program enables students to work on independent research projects relevant to their own academic and professional goals under the mentorship of an internship supervisor. Internship projects span the range of research conducted at SERC, including environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, molecular ecology, and terrestrial ecology. Projects are also offered in public engagement, with opportunities in environmental education, participatory science, and science writing. At the conclusion of the internship, interns will be expected to give a presentation on their independent projects to the SERC community. 

Interns are also provided with networking opportunities, seminars, and professional development programming designed to enrich their experience, encouraging interns to grow their skills and make valuable connections. 

Since 2001, SERC has also been a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. With this funding, along with generous donations and educational partnerships, we are able to provide a variety of paid internship opportunities to qualified students looking to further their knowledge in the natural sciences. 

The SERC community strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Internships are designed as training and skill-building opportunities for students and recent grads still in the early stages of their careers. We recognize that each applicant will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to these positions, including experience that may not be directly related to science or research.