Eligibility:
SERC's science writing internships are open to undergraduate students, master's students and recent
graduates up to one year after graduation. International students are welcome to apply.
Desired Qualifications: Strong scientific background (some natural sciences coursework; not required to
be a science major) and a flair for telling stories about science for a nonscientific audience.
To apply:
Submit the following materials to GoodhueK@si.edu by Friday, Nov. 15, 11:59pm Eastern Standard
Time, with the subject line “Science Writing Intern”:
- Cover letter
- Resume with two references (name, title and contact information)
- One to three writing samples explaining science for general readers. Writing samples can include
school papers, student newspaper articles or pieces you've written for a personal blog—anything that tells
a story about science in a nontechnical, engaging way! Multimedia pieces are also welcome, as long as
at least one of the samples is written. Total length of all writing samples should be no more than 10
double-spaced pages. If multimedia samples are too large to email, upload them to a file sharing system
like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox and include a link in your application.
Pro tip for applicants: Don't just talk about your past experience. Show us how this internship would
give you something new! Smithsonian internships are meant to be learning experiences, especially for
students who have had fewer opportunities outside of schoolwork. Let your application reviewers
know how this experience would benefit you beyond another line on a resume.
About the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center:
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a research unit of the Smithsonian Institution
dedicated to studying the coastal zone, where roughly 70% of the world’s people live. Its staff of scientists
and educators seek solutions to some of the planet’s most urgent issues, including climate change, invasive
species, biodiversity loss and pollution. The center is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay,
approximately 10 miles south of Annapolis, 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., and 40 miles south of
Baltimore. The 2,654-acre campus encompasses forests, wetlands, farmlands and shoreline. To learn more,
The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination
on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age,
religion, martial/parental/caregiver status and disability. The SERC community recognizes the value of
diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates
from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills,
knowledge, experiences, and background to this position. As such, while candidates must meet the
minimum qualifications related to education and student/alum eligibility for Smithsonian internships, we
will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the skills and experiences
listed above.
Questions? Contact Kristen Goodhue (goodhuek@si.edu) She gets internship questions often and is
happy to help!