LIGO Lab Science and Outreach Intern

Caltech; Washington; Presencial; USD 27 000 - 32 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Resumo da oferta

Caltech’s LIGO Hanford Observatory seeks a motivated LIGO Lab Science and Outreach Intern to join the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team. You will help with field trips, classroom visits, and public events while learning from outreach professionals and scientific staff at a world-leading research facility.

The role splits 50/50 between Education & Public Outreach and Technical areas, offering hands-on experience in science communication and collaboration across engineering and physics

Qualificações

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate STEM or education programs.
• Strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Driven, reliable, and able to work in a team.
• Willingness to learn and explain complex concepts to non-experts.

Responsabilidades

• Lead on-site and off-site educational programs, including school field trips and events.
• Support the design and development of new lessons and activities for LIGO science outreach.
• Participate in outreach planning meetings and contribute creative ideas to engage audiences.
• Help maintain and organize outreach materials and equipment.
• Collaborate with LIGO scientists and engineers on technical projects as needed.
• Observe staff operations and develop technical skill proficiencies.

Conhecimentos

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Public speaking

Formação académica

Undergraduate student in STEM or education

Ferramentas

MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

3D printing / laser cutting

Descrição da oferta de emprego

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.

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] .