The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is an multidisciplinary, collaborative and academic campus committed to the very highest standards of research and service to the community. We actively recruit and work with the best and brightest in the field. Join SERC and make a difference in our community and the world. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply for employment, internship, fellowship, visiting scientist and research associate, and volunteering opportunities. For details about the current opportunities we offer, please click on the accordion tabs below.
NEW Remote Internship: MarineGEO Seagrass Intern (Fall 2020)
Deadline: August 31, 2020
The Smithsonian's Marine Global Earth Observatories (MarineGEO) seeks to recruit a motivated intern to join our team for the fall of 2020. The intern will primarily assist with processing data from SeagrassNET, the largest and longest-running seagrass survey on the planet, and the 2020 MarineGEO Global Seagrass Survey.
Get details and learn how to apply
Internships and Fellowships
Internships:
College or graduate students can come to SERC and work for 10-16 weeks with a research scientist. For more information, visit our Internship Page, or contact Dan Gustafson for more information.
Graduate Student, Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships:
We have a very active program in research opportunities. For more information, visit our Fellowship Page or Contact Dan Gustafson for more information.
Visiting Scientists & Research Associates
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) encourages scientists and students to use the unique features of the site, including access to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and access to long-term data sets. As a collaborative environment, we encourage scientists and students to utilize SERC's unique features, including access to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, access to long-term data sets, and the expertise of our scientists and staff.
Visiting Scientist
Visiting Scientists are individuals who intend on working on SERC property unescorted by SERC staff regardless of the length of the visit. Visiting Scientists are approved by the Deputy Director on the basis of an application that specifies the dates of the visit, the SERC staff sponsor, the nature of the work to be performed and needs for space, equipment or specialized safety training. Appointments range from 1 day to 1 year depending on the need, and can be renewed. Visiting Scientists are not eligible to be a Principle Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on grants through their Smithsonian affiliation. Examples of Visiting Scientists include: individuals doing lab or field work for periods of a few days, graduate students in residence for a few years and senior scientists on sabbatical for up to one year.
For more information about becoming a Visiting Researcher, please contact Dr. Pat Megonigal.
Research Associates
Research Associates are individuals who have a long-term collaboration with a SERC scientist that is expected to continue well into the future. This appointment is meant to facilitate collaboration on manuscripts, research proposals, public education or other scholarly activities that benefit the SERC community. Most Research Associates hold a PhD and are not residents on SERC's campus. A Research Associate are eligible to be a Principle Investigator (PI) on grants provided a SERC staff sponsor approved by the Director assumes fiduciary responsibility. Appointments are for 3 years and may be renewed.
For more information about becoming a Research Associate, please contact Dr. Pat Megonigal.
Volunteering
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) couldn't carry out its mission without volunteers. Volunteering allows people of all ages and backgrounds to inspire and engage people and it's a wonderful opportunity to develop skills, explore another career, enhance personal growth, connect with others, strengthen communities, improve lives and have meaningful impact in today's world. Please explore the volunteer section of our website for details on our Education and Citizen Science Programs and discover which program is right for you.
For more information, please contact Alison Cawood.
