Northeast Fisheries Science Center Internship Programs
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center offers internships in fisheries, marine, environmental, and social sciences, and more.
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center studies marine species and fisheries, monitors and models ocean ecosystems, and provides reliable advice for policymakers. Our work promotes recovery and long-term sustainability of marine life in the region. It supports both wild and cultured seafood harvests, helps sustain coastal communities, and generates economic opportunities. To make this happen, we need to actively advance the education of the next generation of scientists.
We help prepare the next generation of fisheries and marine scientists through paid student internship opportunities within NOAA and through partnerships with universities and colleges across the country.
Questions about our intern programs? Send us an email.
We offer a variety of undergraduate internships and student opportunities.
Atlantic Salmon Ecosystem Research Internship Program
The Sea-run Fish Research Internship Program is a partnership between Maine Sea Grant and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. It provides paid opportunities for undergraduates to gain experience in the field of fisheries. These competitive positions require 20 to 40 hours per week, based at one of several mentor locations. These include our Maine and Massachusetts lab facilities, University of Maine Orono, and Maine Department of Marine Resources offices in Augusta, Bangor, and Jonesboro. Start dates vary according to position, ranging from April to June and will last for up to 13 weeks (480 hours total).
2026 application
Read more about the 2025, 2022 and 2021 interns and their summer research.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for 2 years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.
Applications for 2026 open October 1, 2025.
Read more about the 2025 and 2021 interns and their summer research.
NOAA College-supported Internship Program
Since 2006, NOAA has partnered with selected colleges to provide college-funded summer internship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students enrolled in one of the partner colleges can participate and apply through the partner college. NOAA provides students experience in science, policy, and science communication projects. Internship duration, stipend, and other logistics, as well as application deadlines, are set by the partner college.
Read more about the 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 interns and their summer research.
NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity
The NOAA Experiential Research & Training Opportunity is a win-win for NOAA and its Cooperative Science Center academic partners. Students participate in research and training at a NOAA facility and earn NOAA mission-aligned post-secondary degrees. The Cooperative Science Center funds the students. The duration of the opportunity must be a minimum of 12 contiguous weeks and no more than a total of 1 year in length. Funding for travel and residential accommodations are the responsibility of the Cooperative Science Center institution and intern. Application deadlines vary.
Read more about the 2025 and 2021 interns and their summer research.
Education and Program Partners
- Cooperative Institute for the North Atlantic Region
- Gulf of Maine Research institute
- Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
- Sea Grant
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Jobs in the Northeast
About 400 scientists, administrators, and support personnel work at our labs in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey. We have a combination of federal and contract employees who help us fulfill our mission.
Federal employees are hired through the federal hiring process and when available, these positions can be found on USAJOBS. Contract employees are hired through NOAA Fisheries Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Contract positions are filled through federal contract holders. To see what positions are available, please visit contract holder websites.