Research and Evaluation - Summer Youth Internship Program

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.

Summer Youth Internship Program

As a result of taking part in the Summer Youth Internship Program, interns will gain authentic work experience and develop transferable skills while contributing to our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. Please note you must routinely work Wednesdays, as well as, 2 other shifts – one weekday and one weekend. Important Program Dates:

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  • Onsite orientation: June 26^th
  
  
  • Shifts begin: June 29^th
  
  
  • Shifts end: August 16^th
  
  
  
  

Position Summary

The Summer Youth Research and Evaluation Internship provides training and practical experience in science research, science education, and science communication. Interns will contribute to projects related to the creation of new Museum experiences (e.g. exhibits, programs, digital offerings) through testing exhibit prototypes with visitors, researching science topics, and developing educational content. They will also contribute to research efforts that further understanding of Museum visitors’ experiences by interfacing directly with the public, recruiting museum visitors to participate in studies, assisting in data collection, data analysis, and educating visitors about the museum’s ongoing research initiatives. Interns will work closely with a team of research, evaluation, development, and education professionals dedicated to creating fun and engaging exhibit-based science learning experiences for the public.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Develop familiarity with best practices in science research, science communication, and science education that are relevant to the current work of the department


• Contribute to on-going research and evaluation projects by recruiting visitors to participate in studies, supporting data collection and analysis, and discussing study questions and methods with visitors


• Assist in testing new educational offerings that support science learning through exhibits, programs, or online resources


• Assist in developing and testing new educational strategies, with a focus on those that support visitors’ science learning through exhibits


• Engage visitors to the Museum’s exhibit halls in hands-on activities that share findings generated through the museum’s research, development and evaluation work

What We’re Looking For

• Curiosity & Learning: Demonstrated interest in science research, science communication, and/or science education practice. Open to learning new skills and applying them to the development and evaluation of Museum experiences.


• Communication: Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal). Maintains high standards for proactive and consistent communication with colleagues and mentors.


• Collaboration: Able to work both independently and in a dynamic group setting that requires collaboration with diverse members of the Museum’s Exhibits, Research, and Collections team. Demonstrated experience contributing to a team.


• Commitment to Museum Values: Demonstrated interest in supporting the development and evaluation of experiences that promote access, belonging, and culture.


• Detail-oriented: Demonstrated ability to manage tasks with both accuracy and thoroughness. Able to organize and track responsibilities effectively, ensuring consistency and quality in work.

Special Skills

• Spanish language skills (written and/or verbal)

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.