Summer Internship Opportunities at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Are you passionate about science and eager to be involved with research that can shape the future of our planet? The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is now accepting applications to join our 2025 team of summer interns! 

Interns at SERC conduct independent projects on a wide range of topics, including some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, such as habitat loss, climate change and invasive species. 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. 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.

Summer interns are paid a stipend of $650 per week, and on-site dormitory housing is available for most interns. Internship appointments are typically full time (40 hours per week) and 10-16 weeks long. Most opportunities will be on-site, though some remote internships are available.

Please visit the SERC Internship page for more details and application instructions. Applications are due by February 15.

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. Internships are designed as training and skill-building opportunities for students and recent grads 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.