Internships in Scientific Research
Learn about the intersection of science and art, and develop practical skills working in a world-class cultural heritage science laboratory with ten full-time scientists, two laboratory technicians, and an administrative manager. The Met's Department of Scientific Research (DSR) hosts undergraduate and graduate students as part of our Fall- and Spring-Semester Internship Program and Summer Internship Program.
The work of the DSR focuses on the scientific analysis of cultural heritage objects, as well as the objects' environments during storage, display, and shipment. DSR scientists train and mentor interns, helping them to carry out advanced scientific analysis utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and protocols. Intern projects often involve interactions with other Museum areas such as conservation, curatorial, buildings/facilities, and design. Read more about The Met's recent scientific research projects.
Program Information
Two semesters (or six months), for at fourteen hours per week. Please note that this is different from the requirements for other department areas.
Occasionally the DSR may host students as part of the MuSe (Museum Seminar) Internship Program. This is a summer internship only, and the commitment is full-time (35 hours per week) for ten weeks.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, as well as recent graduates. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline.
Undergraduate and graduate internships at the Museum are open to international applicants. Interns are responsible for ensuring that they have valid legal status under applicable U.S. visa regulations while participating in the Museum's program. Although the Museum will act as your host institution, the Museum does not sponsor visas for interns. If you require a visa, you may be eligible to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program), by going through an outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor a J-1 trainee visa. These sponsors are responsible for supporting and monitoring foreign nationals during their exchange programs in the United States.
We recommend that you consult with the U.S. embassy in your home country to determine which visa will allow you to participate in this internship. Please be aware that obtaining a visa is usually a lengthy process and can cost upwards of US$1,500; it must be completed well in advance of the internship start date. If you are offered an internship but do not have your visa before the start date of the program, your internship will be canceled.
Dates and How to Apply
For internships during the academic year, apply through the main Fall- and Spring-Semester Internship Program and note the deadlines there.
For internships beginning during the summer, please apply for the MuSe Internship Program (for a ten-week internship) or for a part-time summer internship (for a two-semester or sixth-month commitment). See Summer Internships for Undergraduate and Graduate Students for deadlines and application instructions.
You may submit applications for as many internship periods as you choose.
On your application, be sure to select "Scientific Research" as your preferred department placement.
Questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have questions, contact us at collegeprograms@metmuseum.org.
Internship Support
Undergraduate and Graduate Internships are made possible by Adrienne Arsht.
Additional support is provided by Jack and Susan Rudin, gifts in honor of Emily K. Rafferty, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Judith Lee Stronach and Raymond Lifchez, Marilyn M. Simpson Charitable Trust, Ittleson Foundation, The Thorne Foundation, Mary Jaharis, Nellie and Robert Gipson, The Billy Rose Foundation, Winston Foundation, and The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation.