Maxwell/Hanrahan Scientific Illustration Internship

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is seeking a creative intern to join our exhibit design team on scientific illustration projects.

This intern will have the opportunity to complete an independent project that can be a set of science illustrations explaining a concept or scientific process, an exhibit design, interactive exhibit, or they can collaborate with a researcher to create a series of science illustrations.

Interns are expected to work well individually and as part of a team, be self motivated, and seek every opportunity to learn and improve Mote Aquarium’s guest experience. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds and tolerate the flora, fauna and climate of southwest Florida.

The goal of this internship is to broaden participation of historically underserved, underrepresented groups in marine STEM including underrepresented minorities (NSF defines underrepresented minorities as African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders.), persons with disabilities, first-generation college students, women and veterans of the U.S. Armed Services. However, students of any race, ethnicity or identity are welcome to apply.

This is not a husbandry position. Interns will not work directly with any animals.

Responsibilities

  • Complete an independent science illustration project and create a formal presentation at the end of the summer for Mote staff
  • Work with exhibits team on Aquarium’s day to day design needs (including but not limited to: flier design, directional sign design, file prep for print, illustrations for Aquarium events and promotions, etc.)
  • Work with exhibits team on the maintenance of Aquarium exhibits
  • Participate in exhibit installs
  • Accomplish other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Email a current portfolio to sbledstein@mote.org after submitting the general Mote intern application. Applicants should select Exhibit Design and Scientific Illustration as the first program choice.
  • Interest in science illustration, exhibit design, and marine biology
  • Interest in guest experience
  • Some experience using Adobe Creative Cloud software suite (or willingness to learn)

Schedule

  • Program dates: May 28-August 2, 2024
  • 40 hrs/week
  • Typical work hours are 7:30am-4:30pm, with a daily schedule of Sunday through Thursday, Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday; additional hours may be required on occasion

Stipend & Housing Info

  • Interns will receive $6816 stipend ($17.04/hr) for this 10-week position.
  • Free housing in a local dormitory, or a housing stipend, will be provided. *Confirmed upon acceptance notification.
  • Financial support for travel expenses between Mote and their home institution.

Applicants must be available for the full duration of the internship to qualify for the stipend. Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent residents to receive payment.

*Note: Although preference is given to applications received by the deadline, the Maxwell/Hanrahan Scientific Illustration program will review late applications submitted to their program.