Ocean Fellowship: MBARI Science Communications

MBARI Sci Comm Fellowship

This two-year position plays a critical role within MBARI's Science Communication Team. The Sci Comm Fellow will make extensive contributions to content creation as part of the Social Media and Video Production teams. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's (MBA) video and content teams.

MBARI invites early-career professionals in science communication and multimedia storytelling to apply for our unique fellowship, which emphasizes projects that support MBARI's mission to advance marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. This communication fellowship offers a rare opportunity to report on advancements in ocean science, technology, and conservation, while gaining hands-on experience through collaborative work with MBARI scientists, engineers, and communicators.

We are seeking a skilled multimedia content creator who is passionate about telling inclusive science, technology, and conservation stories, has a creative and team-oriented spirit, and is committed to engaging new and diverse audiences. Recent graduates with experience or an interest in ocean exploration and research, climate change, and the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity will find the fellowship particularly rewarding.

The fellowship is designed to provide broad exposure to the research, education, and outreach efforts  fellow will report to the Science Communication and Content Manager and join MBARI's Sci Comm Team, which is made up of scientists and communicators. They will contribute at both strategic and tactical levels to MBARI's ongoing outreach activities and campaigns. They will work collaboratively to create videos, news stories, press releases, social media posts, infographics, animations, and projects with staff across the institute.

The position is based at MBARI's facility in Moss Landing, California, and currently offers the option of a hybrid work schedule. The fellow may also collaborate with MBA's Film and Video team and Content team, which are located in Pacific Grove.

The fellow will have the opportunity to go to sea aboard MBARI's research vessels and will have access to MBARI's one-of-a-kind video library with more than 30,000 hours of underwater footage captured by our remotely operated vehicles. The candidate is expected to start in July 2026.

Required qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree, with a focus on science communication or multimedia journalism being highly preferred.
• Familiarity with video editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and/or Final Cut Pro X.
• Experience creating social media content and engagement on new or emerging social media platforms is preferred.
• This position requires flexibility and involves routinely performing multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes on a tight timeline.

Salary:

First year – $77,000 annually

Second year – $82,000 annually