INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer 2026 Internship - Communications

CompanySouth Dakota Science and Technology Authority
LocationLead
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 14, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will focus on creating and modifying content for public distribution, including writing science content and contributing to social media, web, and newsletter materials. They will also adapt graphics and messaging to promote events at SURF.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
75
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Our mission is to advance world class science and inspire learning across generations. Located in Lead, South Dakota, SURF advances our understanding of the universe by providing laboratory space deep underground, where sensitive physics experiments can be shielded from cosmic radiation. Researchers at SURF explore some of the most challenging questions facing 21st century physics, such as the origin of matter, the nature of dark matter and the properties of neutrinos. The facility also hosts experiments in other disciplines—including geology, biology and engineering. SURF is located at the former Homestake gold mine, which was a physics landmark long before being converted into a dedicated science facility. Nuclear chemist Ray Davis earned a share of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2002 for a Solar Neutrino Experiment he conducted 4,850 feet underground in the mine. Homestake closed in 2003, but the company donated the property to South Dakota in 2006 for use as an underground laboratory. That same year, philanthropist T. Denny Sanford donated $70 million to the project. The South Dakota Legislature also created the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority to operate the lab. The state Legislature has committed more than $40 million in state funds to the project, and South Dakota also obtained a $10 million Community Development Block Grant to help rehabilitate the facility.
About the Role

Description

 Internships at SURF may be available in any of the following departments: Communications, Community Relations, Education, Engineering, Environmental, Safety & Health (ESH), Operations, Science and Underground Access (UAG). In all departments, candidates should be comfortable working in an underground environment and following safety rules and guidelines appropriate to a laboratory and construction setting. 


*Open to South Dakota residents and students attending South Dakota universities.


A communications internship at SURF typically focuses on one area of specialty in the mass communication arts. This could include journalism, public relations, graphic design, and/or video production. Regardless of the specialty the intern will be expected to create and modify content for public distribution through the SURF web sites, public events, and other internal and external channels.


The summer intern will spend much of their time writing science content and contributing to social, web and newsletter material. The intern should be comfortable in adapting graphics and messaging to fit various formats to promote events at SURF.

Requirements

Working Requirements

  • Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.
  • Must be 18 years old or older.
  • Comply with SURF’s safety program.
  • Act in accordance with SURF’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
  • Perform work in a typical office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Perform work in the SURF underground environment at depths up to 4,850 feet.
  • Perform limited physical labor and light lifting including walking up and down flights of stairs.

The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self-identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.

Key Skills
JournalismPublic RelationsGraphic DesignVideo ProductionContent CreationWritingSocial MediaWeb DevelopmentNewsletter ProductionGraphic AdaptationEvent PromotionSafety ComplianceTeamworkProfessionalismCommunicationAdaptability
Categories
Creative & MediaMarketingEducationScience & Research