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UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program

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The UNOLS Office coordinates internships with the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and its supporting organizations. This is an incredible opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals. Interns receive hands-on training and assist with projects ranging from chemical oceanography to marine biology, seafloor mapping surveys, geological studies, ROV missions, and much more!

The UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The program was started in 1999 by the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center and transferred to the UNOLS Office in 2023.

PROGRAM MISSION:

  • Provide opportunities for students to receive training by marine technical professionals;
  • Improve marine technical education and prepare the future ocean workforce; and
  • Help meet the demand for multi-skilled marine technicians.

 

A UNOLS-MATE Internship is an excellent opportunity to help you:

1.) DEFINE YOUR CAREER GOALS: There is no better way to determine if a marine technical career is right for you than to experience it first-hand!

2.) PLAN AND PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER: Work alongside and learn from a network of marine technical professionals conducting and supporting oceanographic research on board research vessels at-sea, in the shipyard, and shore-based workshops.

3.) APPLY YOUR SKILLS TO MARINE TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS: Develop the technical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the marine workforce while working with cutting-edge technologies, oceanographic instruments, and shipboard equipment. Many past interns have been hired as:

  • Marine Technicians
  • ROV Technicians
  • Electronics Technicians
  • Ocean Engineers

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM FLYER

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Program Logistics:

Internships last from 2 weeks to 6 months each and are scheduled throughout the entire calendar year. The program pays a weekly stipend plus airfare, lodging and other approved travel expenses. Most interns work, eat, and sleep aboard research vessels. For land-based internships, lodging off ship and an additional meal stipend are provided. Internship projects vary and correspond to the objectives set by each specific host organization or research cruise.

 

How to Apply:

To apply, read the requirements listed below, contact professional references, prepare your documents in advance, and complete the online application:

 

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

The application for the 2025 program is currently closed.

Announcements for the 2026 program will be distributed in the Fall of 2025.

 

Requirements:
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. permanent residents.
  • A valid U.S. passport is required for internships that require international travel.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in or a recent graduate from an accredited higher education institution in the U.S.
  • Applicants should be interested in the field of Marine Technology in support of oceanographic research.  
  • Previous time at sea is not required, but highly desirable. Being on a multi-week research cruise is not a good time to learn you are not able to manage motion sickness.
  • Applicants may be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and be tested before boarding the ship.
Required references and supporting documents (in PDF or Word format only):
  • Contact information for three (3) professional references.
  • Your most current professional resume.
  • A letter of recommendation from an instructor or a supervisor, preferably someone who has knowledge of your technical skills. If your professional reference prefers to submit a letter directly to the Program Manager, please share this link with them: 2025 UNOLS-MATE Internship Recommendation Form.

 

To download a PDF copy of the announcement for the 2025 program:

2025 UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program Announcement 

What past interns have to say about the program:

  • "It was a real life changing experience for me. I feel it has greatly enriched me and inspired my goals even further."
  • "Because of this program, I have traveled all over the world and participated in some of the most interesting projects imaginable."
  • "I learned how to operate and trouble shoot a wide range of equipment and instrumentation that are standard across most research vessels."
  • "I learned from my mentor how to become more involved in the marine technical community and find other job offers in the field." 

MARINE TECHNICAL INTERNSHIP BLOG 

Career Paths:

gisler

Sarah Gisler (2024 UNOLS-MATE Intern), MARSSAM Technician, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University  

Read Sarah's career path here.
nastya

Anastasia Elmendorf (2022 UNOLS-MATE Intern), Marine Technician, Shipboard Scientific Services Group, R/Vs

Armstrong & Atlantis, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Read Anastasia's career path here. 
kait

Kaitlyn Beardshear (2020 UNOLS-MATE Intern), Engineer II, HOV Alvin Pilot, National Deep Submergence Facility, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Read Kaitlyn's career path here.
shimada

Emily Shimada (2018 UNOLS-MATE Intern), Marine Technician, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University. 

Read Emily's career path here.