Research And Development Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change.   Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year - at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world's most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all.  Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and work toward our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Position Description

The Exhibit Content Development Internship provides training and practical experience in science communication and exhibit development. Interns will work under the guidance of lead content developers to contribute to the creation or refurbishment of exhibitions and individual components. This role provides the opportunity to develop creative skills in a museum environment, receive instructive feedback, and learn firsthand how content developers, designers, and evaluators collaborate.

The intern will support exhibit content development processes, which may include:  conducting independent research on STEM topics to develop a working knowledge of exhibit content and specified audiences, and contributing to educational goals, messages, narrative arcs, or visitor experience descriptions for science exhibitions. Additionally, the intern will interact directly with museum visitors to gather feedback through formative prototyping, helping ensure that experiences are universally accessible, engaging, and inspiring for a wide range of audiences, including people with disabilities, neurodiverse learners, bilingual visitors, and people of all ages.

What You'll Accomplish

• Collaborate with project teams to develop engaging content and interactive concepts that convey intended educational messages to the public, which might include:
• Conduct independent literature reviews on specific STEM topics, developing working knowledge for current exhibition projects and sharing back with lead content developers.
• Facilitate formative prototyping and iteration of exhibit components, using visitor feedback and evaluation results to suggest improvements.
• Support lead content developers in drafting and revising clear and accurate copy for print labels, scripts, captions, and exhibit descriptions.
• Assist the exhibit content development team with project-specific responsibilities, which may include:
• Identify and coordinate appropriate media assets, such as images and videos, for use in digital and physical museum experiences.
• Assist in maintaining project documentation and sharing relevant scientific and educational resources across museum working groups.
• Exhibit projects, STEM topics, and specific intern responsibilities will be curated by lead content developers depending on institutional priorities at the time of the internship.

What We're Looking For

• Curiosity & Learning: Demonstrated interest and experience in science research or science communication, and a strong desire to practice communicating complex STEM topics to a public audience.
• Communication: Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Proactive approach to communication with colleagues.
• Research & Organization: Strong independent research skills, with the ability to organize ideas and documentation effectively, utilizing word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Collaboration: Able to work both independently and as an active member of a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to Museum Values: Demonstrated interest in supporting the development and evaluation of experiences that promote diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.

When/Where You'll Work

• Work Schedule: 21 hours per week, including at least one full 9am-5pm shift (with a one-hour unpaid lunchbreak) on Saturday or Sunday.
• Location:
• At least 14 hours on site at the Museum, including one full shift on Saturday or Sunday and two half-days on weekdays.
• Up to 7 hours remote, depending on the nature of high-priority projects.

How We Work-Our Values 

• Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.
• Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.
• Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.
• Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.