Collections Stewardship Internship

Museum of Science, Boston

www.mos.org

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.

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 living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us. 

About Our Internship Programs 

Through transformative learning experiences and impactful service initiatives, we inspire lifelong advocates for science. By creating meaningful opportunities and building strong pathways, we aim to make each interaction within our internship and volunteer programs a gateway to networking, attracting and retaining talent. Embracing the values of everyone, service, learning, connection, and boldness, we empower individuals of all ages to contribute to our vision of a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us. 

Our Museum Internship Program offers dynamic opportunities for collegiate and youth participants, fostering engagement, learning, and skill development within the community. Designed to provide enriching experiences, the program caters to undergraduates, graduate students, and high school students aged 14-19, aiming to cultivate a passion for science and personal and professional development. 

What You’ll Accomplish 

• The Collections Stewardship Intern will assist with a broad range of collections management responsibilities to ensure objects are recorded, stored, and displayed appropriately. 

• Conduct inventories of objects and update locations in a database, to ensure accuracy of records and availability of the collection to the public 

• Assist with maintenance and monitoring of objects on exhibit, to support long-term preservation of the collection 

• Assist with relocation of objects on exhibit, to support construction of the Public Science Common and other high-level facility improvements 

• Photograph, research, rehouse, and/or update records for objects, to add value to collections data and enhance future use of the collection 

• Work on discrete collections projects and research according to interests and time, to support departmental priorities and personalize the educational value of the internship 

When and Where You Will Work 

• Onsite; Mondays – Thursdays  

What We’re Looking For (Competencies) 

• Post-secondary studies in a STEM field, museum studies, or collections management. A foundational understanding of mission-aligned subjects upon which to build collections stewardship skills 

• Demonstrated attention to detail with strong organizational skills, to enable precise stewardship of artifacts and historic, permanent records 

• Professional Integrity: Ability to carry out professional activities in an honest, respectful, and ethical manner. To engender a climate of trust and fairness in all dealings with colleagues and the Museum’s collection 

• Comfort with Ambiguity: Some of your work will be one-time in nature while other projects will be more recurring. You need to be comfortable with shifting priorities, and able to communicate with others to keep them abreast of your work while jumping to cross-departmental priorities as needed 

• Curiosity & Learning: Curiosity about the complexity of our organization and responsible collections stewardship within an interactive science museum. Willingness to listen and learn. Ambition to identify challenges and propose solutions informed by on-the-job learning. 

• Physically able to climb ladders and lift objects 

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. 

Application Timeline 

• Applications close March 6th  

• Round 2 responses occur March 13th through April 3rd 

• Interviews occur April 19th through May 1st