The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is pleased to announce the
2026 UNOLS-MATE MARINE TECHNICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
This is an incredible opportunity to work onboard research vessels at-sea, in the shipyard, and at shore-based facilities, and be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment and marine technical professionals. Please share this announcement with students and recent graduates you think would be interested and qualified.
Internship Description: The U.S. Academic Research Fleet of UNOLS-designated research ships will host 12-14 short-term (2-12 weeks each) marine technical internships in 2026 (pending funding approval). This is an incredible opportunity to work onboard research vessels at-sea, in the shipyard, and at shore-based facilities. The selected interns will work with marine technical professionals and be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies and equipment used in support of shipboard scientific research. Internship dates will depend on the schedule of each research cruise. Interns will be selected in the order that internships start. Applications will stay on file the entire year until all positions have been filled. The program will pay a stipend of $600 per week plus airfare, lodging and other approved travel expenses. Interns will work, eat, and sleep aboard the research vessel, and be provided lodging and a meal plan off ship as needed. Internship projects will vary from one hosting organization to another and correspond to the objectives set by each specific cruise mission. Please email Maria Osiadacz, Program Manager, [email protected], with questions.
To apply, read the requirements listed below, prepare your documents and complete the online application: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. permanent residents.
- An official state issued REAL ID is required for domestic travel. A valid U.S. passport is required for international travel.
- Applicants must be enrolled in or a recent graduate from an accredited higher education institution in the U.S., and should demonstrate a high interest in the field of Marine Engineering & 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 must provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
- Applicants must provide a current professional resume (2-page maximum).
- A letter of recommendation from an instructor or a supervisor, preferably someone who has knowledge of your engineering/technical skills is required. If your professional reference prefers to submit a letter directly to the Program Manager, please share this link with them: 2026 UNOLS-MATE Internship Recommendation Form.
For more information, visit UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program
Read about past intern experiences: MATE Blog