LIGO Business and Outreach Intern

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated LIGO Lab Business and Outreach Intern to join its team.

This position is located in Livingston, Louisiana. This is a year-round internship (not just summer) and applicants must be able to work in-person at the observatory during the school semester.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu

Job Summary

LIGO Livingston Observatory (LLO) seeks a highly motivated intern to support its Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team and the LIGO Business Office. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain experience not only from our public outreach team, but also from the business operations of a world-leading research facility.

LIGO's Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team works to engage and inspire learners of all ages through hands-on science experiences, tours, and public programming.

This internship requires approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year; with potential for additional hours in summer. The schedule is flexible with occasional nights and weekends.

Essential Job Duties

• Organize, track, and maintain outreach equipment and supplies.
• Establish inventory systems for:
  • Interactive exhibit parts and maintenance supplies.
  • Classroom materials for onsite field trips.
  • Tabletop activities used in community events and Science Saturdays.
• Assist EPO staff with procurement of materials and supplies.
• Support logistics for teacher professional development (PD) workshops, including materials preparation and catering coordination.
• Assist with procurement tasks, shipping, and receiving operations.
• Generate reports and compile data for business office staff.
• Support government property tracking and administration.
• Perform general office duties as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in business, finance, public administration, Supply Chain Management or similar field.
• Ability to travel to and work in-person at the LIGO Livingston Observatory throughout the school year.
• Reliable transportation to travel to the Observatory location.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with professional and friendly demeanor.
• A high degree of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences.
• Ability to take initiative and ask follow up questions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spreadsheets or inventory tracking tools
• Passion for learning new information and skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with computing tools such as MS Office Applications (specifically Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point).

Required Documents

• Cover letter summarizing your relevant experience and expressing your interest in LIGO.
• Resume