BEYOND THE BLUE: Exciting Summer Internship opportunity for Palauan students and early career professionals!

Alii,

We are thrilled to announce a 10-week summer internship opportunity for Palauan students focused on deep-sea exploration and science. This internship is offered by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA Ocean Exploration).

Are you interested in ocean exploration, deep sea science, biology, engineering, communications, outreach, education, or policy/management? 

If so, this opportunity is for you!

BACKGROUND:

PICRC is partnering with NOAA Ocean Exploration to explore and characterize deep sea ecosystems in the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) as part of Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific, a collaborative science and research campaign led by NOAA Ocean Exploration in the Pacific Islands region. As part of this effort, PICRC and NOAA Ocean Exploration are launching a 10-week summer internship opportunity for Palauan students to gain valuable, interdisciplinary experience in ocean exploration. Beyond the Blue interns will work alongside PICRC mentors throughout the 10-week summer internship on research projects related to deep sea exploration. Projects will focus on characterizing and communicating about the biology, ecology, and geology of deep sea environments in PNMS. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in a 2-4 week ocean mapping expedition with NOAA Ocean Exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. While at sea, interns will gain hands-on field experience in ocean mapping, learn the foundations of data collection and processing, and experience what it is like to live aboard a research vessel.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:
Duration: 
10 weeks from late-May to mid August 2025
2-4 week ocean mapping expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer (dates TBA)

Location: PICRC + time at sea during an ocean mapping expedition

Compensation: paid internship (40h/week) for participation throughout the 10-week internship and time at sea

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

・Collaborate with PICRC mentors on research projects, focused on deep-sea ecosystems within the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS)
・Help create data products and contribute to science communication, outreach, or educational projects about deep-sea biology, ecology, and geology
・Participate in an at-sea expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer focused on ocean mapping, data acquisition, and field research techniques
・Gain experience in geographic information systems (GIS) software, data management, and living and working aboard a research vessel

WHO CAN APPLY?

・Palauan citizen, aged 18 or older
・Current college or graduate students, or early career professionals (within 5 years of graduation)
・Available for the full 10-week summer internship and a 2-4 week ocean mapping expedition 
・Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
・Proficient with computers, particularly in using PCs and Microsoft Office products
・Mature attitude toward research and a strong work ethic
・Willingness to learn and follow shipboard safety and standard operating procedures

HOW TO APPLY:

Link: Online application form
To apply, please submit the online application form above, including:

・Current resume or CV
・Name and contact information for one professional reference
・Short answer responses (250-300 words each) to the prompts below:
– What attracts you to ocean exploration?
– What are your expectations for this internship? What skills and/or experience do you hope to gain? 

PICRC and NOAA Ocean Exploration are committed to advancing Palau’s ocean science, sustainability, and stewardship objectives. How would you like to contribute to these goals in your current or future career?

KEY DATES:

・Application deadline: November 15, 2024
・Interviews: November 18 – November 22, 2024
・Application notifications: November 25 – December 1, 2024
・Internship period: Mid-May to early August 2025 (flexible dates)
・Expedition dates: TBA; final dates will be communicated to selected applicants

This Beyond the Blue internship is a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand experience in deep-sea exploration and ocean mapping, work alongside leading ocean scientists, and contribute to the sustainable management of Palau’s marine resources.

If you are passionate about ocean science and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply now! We look forward to welcoming you to our team! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].