LIGO Lab Science and Outreach Intern

California Institute of Technology; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caltech's LIGO Hanford Observatory offers a Lab Science and Outreach Intern role on the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team. You will gain experience in science communication while learning from outreach professionals and scientists at a premier research facility.

The internship combines education/outreach duties with technical collaboration in areas like electrical/ mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate studies in STEM or education fields.
• Strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or education.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm for learning and explaining complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist EPO staff in leading on-site and off-site educational programs, including school field trips, STEM nights, career fairs, and public events.
• Support the design and development of new lessons, demonstrations, and activities to engage audiences in LIGO science.
• Participate in outreach planning meetings and contribute creative ideas to enhance public engagement.
• Help maintain and organize outreach materials and equipment.
• Occasionally assist with evening or weekend events.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Enthusiasm for learning

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Public speaking

Education

Undergraduate student (STEM or Education)

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

3D printers

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) seeks a highly motivated and creative LIGO Lab Science and Outreach Intern to join our Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in science communication while learning from both outreach professionals and scientific staff at a world-leading research facility.

The LIGO Lab Science and Outreach Intern will assist with a variety of outreach programs-including field trips, classroom visits, STEM nights, and community events-and contribute to the development of new educational activities and resources. In addition to outreach responsibilities, interns will collaborate with technical staff in areas such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, or other laboratory projects aligned with their interests and skills.

LIGO's Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team works to engage and inspire learners of all ages through hands‑on science experiences, tours, and public programming.

This internship requires approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year, with potential for up to 40 hours per week in the summer. The schedule is flexible, with occasional nights and weekends required.

Essential Job Duties

Education & Public Outreach - 50%

• Assist EPO staff in leading on-site and off-site educational programs, including school field trips, STEM nights, career fairs, and public events.
• Support the design and development of new lessons, demonstrations, and activities to engage audiences in LIGO science.
• Participate in outreach planning meetings and contribute creative ideas to enhance public engagement.
• Help maintain and organize outreach materials and equipment.
• Occasionally assist with evening or weekend events.

Technical Area - 50%

• Collaborate with LIGO scientists and engineers on technical projects.
• Observe staff operations and develop technical skill proficiencies.
• Develop communication skills to connect with multiple LIGO working groups.
• Work independently on technical tasks as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate studies in STEM or education fields.
• Strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or education.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm for learning and explaining complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for learning new information and skills.
• Experience working with children, students, or the public.
• Creative problem-solving skills and interest in communicating about science.
• Familiarity with basic computing tools or MS Office applications (specifically Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with the use of 3D printers or laser cutters.

Required Documents

• A cover letter expressing why you want to work at LIGO and summarizing your relevant experience.
• Resume.

Hiring Range

$19.50 - $23.00 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].