How to Apply for a Summer Internship at MBARI

Applications for summer 2026 are now CLOSED.

Applications must have been received by 0800 hours PST (8:00 a.m. in Pacific time zone) on March 9, 2026, to be considered. Incomplete or late applications were not considered for review. 

Interns must be at least 18 years of age when the program starts and international applicants are eligible but must be able to secure a work visa if accepted (visa costs and international travel are not supported by MBARI).

Applications must be received by 0800 hours PST (8:00 a.m. in Pacific time zone) on March 9, 2026 to be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered for review. 

Interns must be at least 18 years of age when the program starts, and international applicants are eligible but must be able to secure a work visa if accepted (visa costs and international travel are not supported by MBARI). Students (undergraduate or graduate) are eligible, as are those who have graduated but plan to continue in graduate school (Please include your graduate intentions in your cover letter). Educators at all levels are eligible. 

Please DO NOT contact MBARI staff other than using the email intern-application@mbari.org for questions about the internship program. MBARI will host at least two (2) informational zoom sessions at dates/times to be determined. 

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit (PDF format for all documents):

  • A cover letter (submitted with the application form)
  • Curriculum Vitae (submitted with the application form)
  • Only one letter of recommendation (should be submitted using the online LOR submission form linked below)
  • A completed online application form (must include your cv and cover letter)

Clearly identifying a specific research interest/area via the project opportunities is an essential part of the application process. Additional projects may be added, so please check this page prior to submitting your internship application. Links to the mentors’ home pages have been provided (when available) so that you can learn more about the various mentors. Please DO NOT contact the mentor directly.

Please email intern-application@mbari.org if you have any questions. MBARI will host at least two (2) informational Zoom sessions on dates/times to be determined. 

Please complete the application form below. 

SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION HERE

Submit your letter of recommendation here

Additional Details

  • The cover letter should include a statement of your specific research interests, complete contact information, relevant coursework and grades received (don’t send academic transcripts). 
  • We would also like you to think about and discuss how you hope to use your upbringing, background, and/or life experiences to enhance your internship experience. 
  • Potential project descriptions are posted and applicants MUST indicate their project preference(s) in the cover letter. 
  • Avoid cliché and simple biographies.
  • Talk about your experiences and how they lead to your goals.
  • Include why you should be selected as a MBARI intern – how would this experience benefit you?
  • Include how you meet our eligibility requirements (Students (undergraduate or graduate) are eligible as are those that have graduated but are planning on continuing onto graduate school. Please include your graduate plans in your cover letter if you have completed your undergraduate degree but have not yet been accepted into a graduate program. Educators at all levels are eligible. )
  • PDF format is required for all submitted documents with your name in the file name (last name_first name_cover.pdf)
  • Include relevant academic and work experiences, honors, leadership activities, and skills and training.
  • Sell yourself!
  • Write active descriptions of experiences focusing on accomplishments and ‘end products’.
  • Customize your resume or CV for your audience.
  • Use consistent formatting so that your resume or CV looks professional and information is easy to find. PDF format is preferred.required using the following naming format: last name_first name_cv.pdf.
  • If an electronic letter of recommendation is being sent to us directly from the author, please ask the author to include your name in the subject line of the email (e.g., Smith, Jane: Letter of recommendation). PDF format is required as is the use of the online form linked above.
  • Real relationships are key! Develop personal connections with strong letter writers.
  • Best recommendation letters come from:
    • Someone who knows you well and can comment on your work performance, potential in the field, and/or how this opportunity will benefit you.
    • Someone who has supervised you in a job or internship aligned with the program you are pursuing.

Interns are paid a stipend ($23/hour) but food and travel are not provided. We will provide shared housing placement during the program and may be able to provide additional assistance with housing costs for local interns already in housing. We have been awarded a grant from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation to support increased diversity in STEM. Please indicate if you are interested in learning more about this grant and how you qualify.