The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center will consider applications from currently enrolled undergraduate and Master's students, or students who have recently graduated from undergraduate or Master's programs. Applicants must be in a position to commit fully to the completion of a project. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to participate in this program.
The Smithsonian is committed to ensuring that all intern applicants are treated equitably in an environment that is free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, parental or marital status, or genetic information.
Interns are selected based on academic credentials, relevant training or experience, letters of recommendation, and how well the student's expressed goals align with the internship program.
The specific dates and duration of the internship appointment are arranged between the supervisor and the student. However, internship appointments are generally full time (40 hours per week), 10 to 16 weeks in length, and coincide with standard academic semesters and summer terms.
SERC offers an REU Site Program in Global Change Biology. Learn more about the REU Site Program. REU funding is only available in the summer for current undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
There are also grant funded interns who are expected to work on smaller parts of larger scale projects. Grant funded interns can be current undergraduates, recent grads, or Master's students and funding may be available year round.
All students are encouraged to apply. Typically we have a number of funding sources supporting a variety of students at all stages of their careers. All interns are required to complete a research project and present their findings at the end of their internship.