Phytoplankton Carbon Solutions Intern

Environmental Defense Fund; United States; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a fall 2026 intern to support the PCS program, enabling synthesis of global phytoplankton-based carbon removal research. You will catalog labs, universities and partners, and help prepare synthesis reports for diverse audiences.

The role emphasizes collaborative teamwork, data management, and equity considerations as EDF advances ocean science and policy impact across the United States.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recent graduate of a degree program with coursework in biological oceanography or related science.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental science, ocean resource management or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in literature reviews and scientific synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead knowledge synthesis for phytoplankton-based carbon removal research.
• Catalog research actors, labs, universities, companies, and consortia.
• Engage with external partners to scope synergies and share findings.
• Develop and maintain a publications database for PCS program.
• Contribute to program development and equity considerations.

Skills

Literature review

Written & verbal communication

Multi-tasking & deadline management

Team collaboration

Self-awareness & inclusivity

Education

Undergrad/grad in biological oceanography or related science

Interest in environmental science/ocean management

Job description

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Location

Hybrid out of an EDF office in San Francisco, CA, Boston MA, withoptionto be remote U.S. Intern supervisor is in Seattle, WA andotherteam members are in Massachusetts.

Term

Fall2026

Hours

Part-time (10hr/week) or Full-time (35hr/week)

Program/DepartmentOverview

The goal of EDF’s Ocean Science Program is to deliver the science that will help build resilient oceans that provide more fish in the water, more - and more secure - food on the plate and more prosperous fishing communities, all over the world, even with climate change. In recent years,the team hasfocused on the science behind robust transformations of fisheries management in the U.S., China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Belize,Cubaand Europe, working in partnership with diverse stakeholders and coastal communities. Scientific priorities include developing new approaches to understand and address the role of the ocean as a climate ally as well as the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, including not only resilient fisheries, but also complementary engagements that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem resilience and human wellbeing, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

Overall Function

EDF has been funded to drive a new research program on Phytoplankton Carbon Solutions(PCS),marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)approachesthatleveragethe growth ofphytoplanktonand the biological carbon pump(see press release).The PCSprogramwill actively interface with a diversity ofactorsand fund several collaborative, interdisciplinaryprojectsthatwill individually address key uncertainties andknowledge gapsto drive the state of knowledgeon PCSforward.

The intern willplay a key roleinthe PCS program’sactivities by supporting and leading aspects ofknowledge synthesisas it pertains to relevant, global research effortsonphytoplanktonmCDR. Specific activities will includecataloguing relevant research efforts(e.g., research labs, universities, companies, and consortia),engaging with external partners and groupsto scopeareas of synergies,developingandmaintaininga database of publications,andsynthesizingscientific knowledgefor distribution to key audiences.In addition,as a function ofexpertiseand interest,the intern may contribute tooperational aspectsof program development,such asthedevelopment of equity and justicedimensions of the PCS program, anddata managementand distributionprotocols, in collaboration with internal and external partners.

By the end of the internship, the intern will have developed a thorough understanding ofmCDRand the ecosystems of actors involved in research on phytoplankton-based approaches to carbon removal,builtanunderstandingof relevantfundamentalscientific concepts underpinning PCSapproaches, developedcommunication skillsthrough development of synthesis reports andengagement with internal and external collaborators, and significantly contributed to the development and implementation of the PCS program.The intern will report to theMarine Biogeochemical Scientistand work closely with members of the Ocean Sciences team.

KeyResponsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support the development ofandmaintaindatabase of actorsand activities in the research field.

• Support the development ofandmaintaindatabases of relevant research publications.

• Leadand contribute to the synthesis ofscientific information for sharing withdiverse audiences.

• Contribute to developing programmatic elements of the PCS program.

• Work with experts on the Ocean Sciences team, EDF, and external partners toidentifybest practices for data and information collection and sharing.

• Contribute towritinga report/paper detailing stakeholder engagementactivities.

• Participate in team meetings andcheck-ins andfunction as a fully integrated team member.

• Presenting findings to internal and external audiences asappropriate.

• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected,includedand empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program with coursework in biological oceanography or related science.

• Demonstrated interest inenvironmental science, ocean resource management, ocean science,or other relevant fields.

• Demonstrated interest in finding solutions to environmental problems.

• Basicproficiencyin scientific literature search.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting literature review.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Must be well organized, motivated, anddetail oriented.

• Ability to multi-task,prioritizeand meet deadlines.

• Ability to work in a team setting and independently when projects are due.

• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders acrossallcultures and backgrounds.

• Demonstrate initiative andproblem-solvingskills.

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18-20/hour, depending on degree level.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships