What are the responsibilities and job description for the Phytoplankton Carbon Solutions Intern position at Environmental Defense Fund?
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, with option to be remote U.S. Intern supervisor is in Seattle, WA and other team members are in Massachusetts.
Term
Fall 2026
Hours
Part-time (10 hr/week) or Full-time (35 hr/week)
Application Materials
Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.
Program/Department Overview
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 has focused on the science behind robust transformations of fisheries management in the U.S., China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Belize, Cuba and 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) approaches that leverage the growth of phytoplankton and the biological carbon pump (see press release). The PCS program will actively interface with a diversity of actors and fund several collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that will individually address key uncertainties and knowledge gaps to drive the state of knowledge on PCS forward.
The intern will play a key role in the PCS program’s activities by supporting and leading aspects of knowledge synthesis as it pertains to relevant, global research efforts on phytoplankton mCDR. Specific activities will include cataloguing relevant research efforts (e.g., research labs, universities, companies, and consortia), engaging with external partners and groups to scope areas of synergies, developing and maintaining a database of publications, and synthesizing scientific knowledge for distribution to key audiences. In addition, as a function of expertise and interest, the intern may contribute to operational aspects of program development, such as the development of equity and justice dimensions of the PCS program, and data management and distribution protocols, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
By the end of the internship, the intern will have developed a thorough understanding of mCDR and the ecosystems of actors involved in research on phytoplankton-based approaches to carbon removal, built an understanding of relevant fundamental scientific concepts underpinning PCS approaches, developed communication skills through development of synthesis reports and engagement with internal and external collaborators, and significantly contributed to the development and implementation of the PCS program. The intern will report to the Marine Biogeochemical Scientist and work closely with members of the Ocean Sciences team.
Key Responsibilities
Tasks will include but are not limited to:
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
Location
Hybrid out of an EDF office in San Francisco, CA, Boston MA, with option to be remote U.S. Intern supervisor is in Seattle, WA and other team members are in Massachusetts.
Term
Fall 2026
Hours
Part-time (10 hr/week) or Full-time (35 hr/week)
Application Materials
Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.
Program/Department Overview
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 has focused on the science behind robust transformations of fisheries management in the U.S., China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Belize, Cuba and 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) approaches that leverage the growth of phytoplankton and the biological carbon pump (see press release). The PCS program will actively interface with a diversity of actors and fund several collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that will individually address key uncertainties and knowledge gaps to drive the state of knowledge on PCS forward.
The intern will play a key role in the PCS program’s activities by supporting and leading aspects of knowledge synthesis as it pertains to relevant, global research efforts on phytoplankton mCDR. Specific activities will include cataloguing relevant research efforts (e.g., research labs, universities, companies, and consortia), engaging with external partners and groups to scope areas of synergies, developing and maintaining a database of publications, and synthesizing scientific knowledge for distribution to key audiences. In addition, as a function of expertise and interest, the intern may contribute to operational aspects of program development, such as the development of equity and justice dimensions of the PCS program, and data management and distribution protocols, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
By the end of the internship, the intern will have developed a thorough understanding of mCDR and the ecosystems of actors involved in research on phytoplankton-based approaches to carbon removal, built an understanding of relevant fundamental scientific concepts underpinning PCS approaches, developed communication skills through development of synthesis reports and engagement with internal and external collaborators, and significantly contributed to the development and implementation of the PCS program. The intern will report to the Marine Biogeochemical Scientist and work closely with members of the Ocean Sciences team.
Key Responsibilities
Tasks will include but are not limited to:
- Support the development of and maintain database of actors and activities in the research field.
- Support the development of and maintain databases of relevant research publications.
- Lead and contribute to the synthesis of scientific information for sharing with diverse audiences.
- Contribute to developing programmatic elements of the PCS program.
- Work with experts on the Ocean Sciences team, EDF, and external partners to identify best practices for data and information collection and sharing.
- Contribute to writing a report/paper detailing stakeholder engagement activities.
- Participate in team meetings and check-ins and function as a fully integrated team member.
- Presenting findings to internal and external audiences as appropriate.
- Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
- Enrolled in or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program with coursework in biological oceanography or related science.
- Demonstrated interest in environmental science, ocean resource management, ocean science, or other relevant fields.
- Demonstrated interest in finding solutions to environmental problems.
- Basic proficiency in scientific literature search.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting literature review.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and 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 across all cultures and backgrounds.
- Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
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
Salary : $18 - $20