Join Our Team
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Internship Program is a rich learning resource for interns and externs, enabling them to partner with the Aquarium in pursuit of our shared DEI objectives and take our mission to the next level. Targeting underrepresented communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), the Internship Program will provide eligible college, undergraduate and graduate students with meaningful work experience under the direction of an Aquarium mentor. The Internship Program is outcomes-based, requiring a project report at the conclusion of the program, further documenting the participants’ growth along their developmental pathway.
Job summary
The Scientific Illustration Intern will primarily report to Veterinary Services and collaborate on the creation of anatomical diagrams of animals under their care. Leveraging access to necropsies, dissections, biological specimens, radiographs, microscopes, live animal observations, and primary data sources at the Aquarium, the intern will develop a series of accurate and informative illustrations intended to support research and husbandry efforts. There may also be opportunities to collaborate with additional departments on visual materials as needed, as well as to engage with Aquarium guests about the role of art in STEM. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will deliver a brief presentation showcasing their work.
Potential Projects Include:
- Sea otter anatomy charts to support rehabilitation programs, and explanatory graphics about surgical procedures such as the one to implant a tracking device
- Illustrations to inform routine examinations of Aquarium species, treat health issues, or carry out diagnostic work, such as radiograph positioning
- Identification guide of parasites that affect wildlife in the Monterey Bay (microscope experience required)
- Illustration of developmental phases of eggs/embryos of shark species
- Technical illustrations about fishing industry equipment and ecological impacts
- Illustrations and conceptual diagrams to be used in scientific publications (figures) or other science communication tools
- Data-driven visualizations that integrate primary sources
Learning Outcomes:
The Scientific Illustration Intern will gain hands-on experience in a creative role within a major scientific institution, with numerous opportunities to develop skills in teamwork, expert collaboration, project management, and visual communication. This internship also offers a rare opportunity to directly observe and study the morphology of marine species—access that is typically limited outside of such a setting.
Intellectual Property and Licensing Agreement
The illustrations created during the internship may be used to support the intern’s career development but are subject to a contractual agreement with the Aquarium. This agreement governs the licensing of creative works such as illustrations, photography, video, text, or manuscripts for use in exhibits, publications, merchandise, television broadcasts, websites, or similar contexts. It includes the right to digitize the work and reproduce it identically for the stated use and related promotional purposes. Modifications to the work may only be made with prior written consent from the Aquarium. In exhibit use, the license includes related educational purposes but does not permit future exhibitions by the licensee or other institutions. For publication use, the license includes displaying an electronic version on the licensee’s website. All uses are subject to the limitations outlined in the agreement.
Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- Current undergraduate at CSUMB enrolled in the Scientific Illustration program or recent graduate within one year of program completion
- Must be in good academic standing
- Able to accurately render morphology of both vertebrate and invertebrate animals
- Possess solid baseline knowledge of internal anatomy of both vertebrate and invertebrate animals
- Must demonstrate an ability to create clear labeled diagrams, interpret difficult or complex reference material, and conduct thorough research
Internship Location & Hours
The internship will take place from September 8, 2025 - December 12, 2025. This position is an onsite role with the expectation of 24-30 hours per week.
Hourly Rate: $18.00 USD
Application Period
Applications are due by 5 PM PST on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Finalists will be invited for a virtual interview. Final selections will be announced by late July or early August 2025.
Application Documents to Upload:
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio or samples of relevant work
- Letter of interest/Cover Letter
- One letter of reference - you may upload your letter of reference to this application OR email to mmussey@mbayaq.org
The application is considered complete only when the materials above, including the letter of reference, have been received. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For questions related to this position, please contact mmussey@mbayaq.org
Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.Education
Preferred: Bachelors
Preferred: Associates
Preferred: Some college
Preferred: High School