Apr 5, 2023 / Student Career Opportunities

Conduct Research with Scientists at the Marine Mammal Laboratory

If you are looking for a paid summer internship and have a background in ecology, marine biology, computer science, and/or biological data analysis, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has opportunities for students to conduct research with scientists at the Marine Mammal Laboratory.

 The Marine Mammal Laboratory of NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center (MML/AFSC) and the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (SAFS) request applications for student summer internships. Internships will be for about 10 weeks (during the period of June to September 2023; 30 hours per week) working on a marine mammal research project. Each internship will be supported on a stipend of $5,400, provided in partnership by the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, the Marine Biology Program, and MML/AFSC. Successful applicants will be provided with a scientific mentor and online access to research resources associated with their projects.

The following marine mammal research projects may be available for internships during summer 2023 at the Marine Mammal Laboratory:

  1. Steller sea lion remote camera imagery; mentors: Molly McCormley and Carey Kuhn
  2. Northern fur seal and Steller sea lion entanglement in plastic debris in Russian waters; mentors: Tom Gelatt and Vladimir Burkano
  3. Population abundance, vital rate estimates, and foraging ecology of California sea lions and northern fur seals at San Miguel Island, CA; mentor: Tony Orr
  4. Assessing bowhead and beluga whale distribution using satellite imagery; mentors:Kim Goetz and Megan Ferguson

SAFS values the strengths and professional experience that students, faculty, and staff bring to our community. We are committed to providing an excellent education to all our students of every race, gender, class, nationality, physical ability, religion, age, or sexual orientation. We are proud of the different roles that our students, staff, and faculty play in the community of the School and the College of the Environment. Science is richer and the SAFS and MML/AFSC communities are more vibrant when a diverse group of people participate in research. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our programs’ diversity through their life experiences, scholarship, and/or service to the institutions. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

All UW undergraduates who will graduate in Autumn 2023 or after are eligible to apply.

The deadline for submission is 11:59pm on April 12, 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please submit the following by the deadline:

  • Complete the online application form
  • Upload (using form linked above) the following materials in one pdf. Save as “LastnameFirstname_MML2023.pdf” (where Lastname and Firstname are your name):
    • Recent resumé
    • Unofficial UW transcript
    • Letter of interest (maximum of four pages)
      • Include the name of the project that most interests you and why
      • Tell us about yourself and your research interests
      • Explain how the internship will further your studies and career
      • Include other information the selection committee should be aware of, such as what it means to you to have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Award notifications will be made by April 28, 2023.

You can find more information on each research project, including required skills, here.

Back to Top