Explore Internship Opportunities at the Science Museum
Are you curious, passionate about science and eager to make a meaningful impact in your community? The Science Museum of Virginia offers paid summer internship opportunities designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds to explore exciting careers in STEM and museum fields.
Whether you have prior experience in STEM or museums or are just getting started, this program provides the training, mentorship and hands-on experience needed to help you develop new skills and explore your potential.
We are looking for enthusiastic, eager-to-learn individuals who are excited about making science accessible to everyone and contributing to a welcoming and dynamic museum environment.
Why Intern with Us?
At the Science Museum of Virginia, our internships are more than just a summer job. Interns gain:
- Hands-On Experience: Work in a dynamic museum setting and gain exposure to STEM-focused environments.
- Skill Development: Build communication, leadership and job-readiness skills that prepare you for careers in teaching, museums, communications or the nonprofit world.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Receive one-on-one mentorship, participate in professional development activities and explore career opportunities with the help of experienced professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with museum staff, STEM professionals and community leaders during meetings, weekly presentations and events.
Program Structure
- Mentored Projects: Interns will complete a hands-on, mentored project while exploring various science-adjacent career paths and learning about the Science Museum’s operations.
- Professional Development: Weekly training sessions, meetings with senior leaders and networking events provide a comprehensive understanding of the museum and nonprofit sectors.
- Time Commitment: Interns are expected to complete 300 hours between mid-May and mid-August. If completing the internship for academic credit, the required hours and schedule will be determined by your program.
Qualifications
Our summer internships are open to students aged 18+ who are enrolled at an accredited college or university. We’re looking for candidates with:
- Enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- A willingness to learn and engage with diverse audiences
- Curiosity and a passion for making science accessible
Our Commitment to Diversity
The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. We value diversity in all forms, and we strive to build a team that reflects the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who have been historically underrepresented in STEM and museum fields, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities.
Application Process
- All intern applications must be completed online through the Virginia Jobs website jobs.virginia.gov.
- All submissions must include a cover letter describing your interest in the specific internship and a résumé. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Summer 2026 Internship Opportunities
Exhibits Fabrication Internship
Are you curious about how museum exhibits are built, maintained and brought to life? Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and learning how design and engineering intersect with public learning? Are you interested in careers in fabrication, exhibit design, engineering or museums? Apply to join the Science Museum of Virginia’s Exhibits team and gain hands-on experience supporting the care, installation, and enhancement of interactive museum exhibits.
Museum Digitization Specialist Intern
Museum Collections and institutional archival history are vital resources to Science Museum staff, external researchers, historians and education professionals. Digitization of such resources improves accessibility, collaboration, searchability, educational outreach and research potential. The Science Museum seeks an intern who will assist with digitization efforts. Summer 2026 applications closed Mar 1, 2026
Museum Education Intern
Are you passionate about the natural world? Are you fascinated by animal behavior, biology, and survival strategies? Are you someone who enjoys engaging with people and facilitating learning? Then apply to join our Museum Education team to help inspire guests to enrich their lives through our permanent exhibits and our summer touring exhibition, Survival of the Slowest! Summer 2026 applications closed Mar 1, 2026
Animal Programming and Husbandry Intern
Gain hands-on experience in the care, handling and interpretation of a live animal collection, including insects, arachnids, reptiles and rats. Work closely with experienced educators to develop handling procedures, assist in creating an engaging animal ambassador program and gain insight into best practices for animal care and public education in a museum setting. Summer 2026 applications closed Mar 1, 2026
Community Engagement and Accessibility Intern
For some segments of the population, barriers like disability, income or language can make museum experiences difficult to navigate. Through the Science Within Reach Initiative, the Science Museum works with diverse communities to identify needs and find solutions that increase access and enhance learning opportunities. The Science Museum seeks a bilingual (English and Spanish) intern who will assist in developing and expanding outreach through a variety of modes, media and platforms to new and existing Science Within Reach audiences. Summer 2026 applications closed Mar 1, 2026
