How to Apply for a Summer Internship at MBARI

Applications for summer 2024 are now closed.

Applications had to be received by 0800 hours PST (8:00 a.m. in Pacific time zone) on February 27, 2024 to be considered. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

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 February 27, 2024 to be considered. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered. Please submit your cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and your letter of recommendation to intern-application@mbari.org (pdf format preferred). 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).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit (pdf format is preferred for all documents):

  • A cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Only one letter of recommendation
  • A completed online supplemental information form (see link below)

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. Please contact George Matsumoto if you have any questions. 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. 

Submit your online supplemental application form 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. PDF format is preferred for all submitted documents.
  • Avoid cliché and simple biographies.
  • Talk about your experiences and how they lead to your goals.
  • 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.
  • 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 preferred.
  • 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 ($20/hour) but housing, food, and travel are not provided. We will try and facilitate housing placement during the program and may be able to provide additional assistance with housing costs. 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 to receive funding.