Careers & Internships

Work at a place shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. Explore opportunities to contribute to the evolving work of Yerkes.

Make an Impact

Working at Yerkes

Yerkes is part observatory, part cultural space, and part learning environment. Our team works alongside volunteers and collaborators to care for the site and create experiences that connect people to it in meaningful ways.  

We’re looking for curious, collaborative people who enjoy working across disciplines and contributing to something that continues to grow and evolve.

Development Coordinator

Yerkes Observatory seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Development Coordinator to support the development and external affairs functions of the organization. This position serves as the primary administrator and lead coordinator for Yerkes Observatory’s constituent relationship management (CRM) system, Virtuous, ensuring the integrity, utilization, and strategic application of donor and fundraising data across the organization.

Future Opportunities

Yerkes is always evolving, and new roles may emerge as programs grow. If you’re interested in being part of what’s happening here, we’d love to hear from you.

We welcome a range of backgrounds—from science and education to the arts, operations, and nonprofit work. If your skills align with the kind of work happening at Yerkes, send your resume and cover letter to info@yerkesobservatory.org and we’ll keep your information on file.

Summer Research

Internship Program

Each summer, Yerkes offers a paid, on-site undergraduate research and science communication internship. Each cohort of interns is immersed in science and outreach at Yerkes through:

Learning to use and analyze data from our on-site telescopes, including our 0.6-meter and 1-meter reflectors and 40″ Great Refractor. 
Digitizing and analyzing images from our historic glass plate collection to gain valuable experience in long baseline time domain astronomy.
Engaging in science communication training and supporting Yerkes public programming.
Applying their skills by presenting their work at a professional astronomy conference following the internship.

Internship FAQs

Who can participate?

Current undergraduate students and recent graduates who completed their degree in May or later are eligible to apply, provided they are not currently enrolled in a graduate program. Applicants should be pursuing or have recently completed a degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related STEM field.

The program is open to both domestic and international students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions. U.S. citizens attending international institutions are also eligible to apply.

Students attending community colleges and two-year institutions are encouraged to apply.

Where does the program take place?

The internship is conducted in person at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

What will participants do?

Interns will:

Learn to use and analyze data from Yerkes’ on-site telescopes, including the 0.6- meter and 1-meter reflectors and the historic 40-inch Great Refractor.
Digitize and analyze images from the observatory’s historic glass plate collection, gaining valuable experience in long-baseline time-domain astronomy.
Participate in science communication training and support Yerkes public programming.
Present their work at a professional astronomy conference following the internship.

Is housing provided?

Yes. Yerkes provides on-site housing, including a private bedroom for each intern and access to a shared kitchen. Some meals are provided, but interns are generally responsible for their own food.

Is there a stipend?

Yes. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program. Travel reimbursement may also be provided.

How do I apply?

Application information will be available early next year.

Please note: The use of ChatGPT and other Al tools is permitted, but applicants must disclose their use in the application. Applications that appear to have used Al tools without disclosure will not be considered.

When will I be notified?

Applicants will be notified of their status by email in early March prior to the internship beginning in June.

Who should I contact with questions?

Please direct questions about the program to science-info@yerkesobservatory.org.

Contact Us

Whether you’re exploring career opportunities or interested in our internship program, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you learn more.