Office of Graduate Studies and Research

Opportunities

** This page is frequently updated --> New opportunities are always becoming available! **

Looking for other ways to pay for graduate school?  CSUMB Graduate Student Support
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We are pleased to announce that the 2026 COAST Summer Internship Program is now accepting applications!

We are offering 14 PAID internship positions this summer for CSU students to work with state, federal, and nonprofit organizations in which interns work side-by-side with professionals on current marine and ocean STEM projects throughout California. Each internship has a different focus ranging from invasive species to fisheries biology to natural resource management. 

Work period: Full-time (40hr/week) for 11 weeks over this summer

Pay: $8,000 stipend

Website: https://bit.ly/COAST26Internship  

Please read the General Eligibility Requirements and Application Materials and Procedures sections found on our website carefully so you understand each section thoroughly.

Application deadline: Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:00 pm (Pacific) 
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The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) Summer Internship Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, open to 2nd- or 3rd-year undergraduate students studying oceanography, applied mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, geology or related majors | Applications due Jan. 22, 2026
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship is now accepting applications from undergraduate students, providing funding, a stipend, and hands-on internship experience | Apply by Jan. 31, 2026
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The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is offering two scientific diving internships to provide scientific dive training and field experience for undergraduates | Applications due Jan. 31, 2026
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The Department of Fisheries Biology at Cal Poly Humboldt is looking to fund a new Master’s of Science (M.S.) graduate student to work on their monitoring project of rocky-reef fishes in marine protected areas (MPAs) of Northern California.  Application deadline: Jan 31, 2026
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CERF (Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation) is pleased to offer its inaugural 1-year mentorship program. The program will match individuals at any career stage with a mentor within the CERF community. Mentors play a vital role in building confidence, offering guidance, and fostering new connections that strengthen our scientific community. Whether you have years of experience or specialized knowledge to share, your involvement can make a significant difference. The program will begin soon, but you can learn more about the program and sign up to be a mentor online. Questions? Contact cerfmentorshipprogram@gmail.com.
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Applications for the University of California Santa Cruz Conservation Leadership Immersion Program (conservationleadership.ucsc.eduare open.

In March, 8 undergraduate Scholars from around the country will participate in a two-week conservation immersion program followed by an 8-week summer internship. Applications will close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026. 

For more information, visit conservationleadership.ucsc.edu or email us at scholars@ucsc.edu.  
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Bioma is now accepting applications for their Summer 2026 Sea Turtle Field Courses. These courses take place on beaches in Costa Rica over 2 weeks where you’ll engage in hands-on sea turtle field research and have an opportunity to learn about sea turtle biology, ecology and conservation. You will be trained on scientific techniques to collect and analyze data on nesting or foraging sea turtles under the guidance of local project staff.

See Turtle Field Course website: https://biomatravel.org/expeditions-page#sea-turtle-field-course 

Program application: https://biomatravel.org/application 

Application deadline: This varies by which trip you apply to. Please see website for more details on application deadlines.
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 STEM Research Participation Program: US Naval Postgraduate School with the US Department of Defense (Monterey, CA). The STEM Research Participation Program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  This appointment is a 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed.
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The Health Department’s Clinic Services Bureau of Monterey is looking for a Social Media Intern to assist with creating, scheduling, and posting content across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This position will help support community outreach campaigns by highlighting our services, events, and patient education initiatives. 6 months, 20 hours per week, $20 hourly. Apply Here
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The Higher Education Research Participant Program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is designed to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates to join ongoing research programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics topic areas. The STEM Research Participation Program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.  More information here
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Joby is seeking an Instrumentation Technician to help develop, improve, and maintain data acquisition hardware and processes for the installation of flight test instrumentation for Joby’s VTOL electric aircraft. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands-on individuals, operating in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. We are looking to expand this team with like-minded individuals looking to make a mark in the transportation industry. Apply here
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Seneca’s Monterey Crisis Programs provide crisis stabilization services and short-term residential treatment for children and youth experiencing crises, ensuring timely support when it’s most needed. The Awake Overnight Youth Stabilization Specialist plays a critical role in supporting youth to achieve and maintain stability as they prepare for a successful transition into a home-like environment. The Youth Stabilization Specialist builds relationships quickly and partners with each youth to develop and implement highly individualized treatment plans. Learn more about this position.
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The Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program application is now live! This program supports doctoral students interested in faculty careers in the CSU system by providing CSU faculty mentorship, access to internal funding for fellows (e.g., travel grants, doctoral education support grants, dissertation awards, and access to an institutional loan), and professional development opportunities.  Individuals do not have to be admitted into a program to apply but should be admitted by May 2025 to qualify. We encourage CSU Lecture Faculty pursuing doctoral degrees to apply as well. 

You can learn more about the program on the CDIP landing page. Scroll down the landing page to find CDIP Application Guidelines and the link to an application. Please also consider signing up for one of their information sessions.
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Embark on an adventure of a lifetime by checking out these two awesome OceanXplorer opportunities:

The Young Explorers Program selects students ages 18-24 to embark on a multi-day experience onboard the OceanXplorer. 

The Early Career Explorers selects early career professionals over 25 years old to embark on a multi-day experience onboard the OceanXplorer research vessel.

**Note: Only applicants with passports valid through March 2026 will be considered

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 
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Climate Currents aims to foster a vibrant community of scientists who are eager to contribute to the dialogue on geo-science & environmental issues. They are currently seeking contributors and editors to support the creation and publication of our content for the upcoming summer term and beyond.

The platform welcomes all types of media, including:

  • News Articles: Keep our readers updated on the latest environmental developments.
  • Features: Dive deep into stories that highlight significant environmental phenomena and the people involved. We particularly encourage features that highlight work you or your collaborators are involved in!
  • Op-Eds: Share your opinions and insights on pressing environmental issues.
  • Creative Fiction & Nonfiction: Use your storytelling skills to explore environmental themes.
  • Multimedia: Enrich our content with videos, podcasts, photo essays, and other multimedia formats.

This is a fantastic chance to develop your writing, editing, and creative skills while contributing to a meaningful cause. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just starting out, all levels of experience are welcome.  If you are interested in joining us or would like more information, please reach out to us at hbricker@g.ucla.edu.
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Student Travel Awards Program

  • COAST provides support for continuing CSU graduate students to attend and present the results of original ocean and coastal research at scientific conferences.
  • Award Period: We are now accepting applications for conferences occurring July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
  • Specific application deadlines are posted on the website. Please review them carefully. 
  • Applications are accepted on a continual basis until funding is expended. 
  • Please visit the Award Announcement webpage for the most up-to-date information throughout the year: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/research/coast/funding/Pages/Student-Travel.aspx

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The California Dune Science Network is seeking a postgraduate or graduate student researcher to assist us in advancing our understanding of coastal dune processes and dynamics. Interested applicants should email their CV and a short paragraph about their interest to ca.dunes.nbs@gmail.com. There is no priority review date but they are looking to hire as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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The California Recreational Fisheries Survey Project is currently accepting Scientific Aid applications from highly-motivated and dedicated individuals who would like to work in the field, on and around boats, in a fast-paced setting.

Duties will include collecting recreational fishery data and biological samples at public launch ramps/docks/piers/etc., identifying fin fish and invertebrates to species and collect biological data, and conduct onboard sampling of Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessels.

See https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/CRFS/Employment for full details and application instructions.
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Thriving Earth Exchange, a branch of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) that helps to address science concerns from communities, is recruiting volunteer scientists. There are many opportunities available all over the United States, and the world! The positions are open until filled.
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Other events and scholarships can be found on the Associated Students webpage.

Campus Research Events