Web Experience & UX Intern

Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) was founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 with a goal to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration and research through technological advancement, intelligent observation, and open sharing of information. This is achieved by making ship time and associated assets freely available to scientists globally. In exchange, SOI supports public sharing of acquired scientific observations, data, and other information about the ocean to stimulate the growth of data applications and user community and to amplify and enable further exploration, discovery, deeper understanding, and effective conservation and management of our environment.

Position Summary

Schmidt Ocean Institute, a private nonprofit operating foundation, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Web Experience & UX Intern to support ongoing improvements to our website and digital user experience. This internship is ideal for a student interested in user experience (UX), web design, accessibility, digital analytics, content strategy, or website quality assurance.

As Schmidt Ocean Institute prepares to launch a new headless website that will replace our current public-facing site, the intern will have the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of website enhancement, testing, and optimization efforts during a significant organizational digital initiative. 

Working closely with the Communications team, the intern will help evaluate how visitors interact with website content and identify opportunities to improve usability, engagement, accessibility, and discoverability.

• User journey reviews and “next-step” content recommendations

• Website exit-point and engagement analysis

• AI search (Generative Engine Optimization/GEO) assessments

• Quality assurance testing to identify usability issues, content errors, accessibility concerns, and user experience improvements before and after website launch.

• Accessibility, metadata, and alt text audits

• Broken link and redirect reviews

• Mobile experience testing and recommendations

• First-time visitor usability testing

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Interest in UX design, web design, digital communications, analytics, accessibility, or related fields
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Able to take initiative, stay organized, and follow through on tasks in a remote work environment
• Strong communication skills
• Familiarity with website usability principles and user-centered design concepts
• Experience with website testing, wireframing, analytics tools, accessibility reviews, or UX research is a plus
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and modern website architectures is a plus
• Experience with headless CMS platforms and modern website architectures is a plus
• Familiarity with Sanity CMS is highly desirable but not required

• Internship is approximately 10 hours per week.
• Applicants must be located within the United States during the internship period.
• Interest in ocean science, ocean exploration, or science communication is a plus.

This is a non-exempt position

Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.