The application for this program is NOW OPEN!
The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 8th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

 

The Mote Marine Laboratory Research Apprenticeship Program (Mote RAP) offers a one-year intensive, fully immersive fellowship to give participants crucial experience and certifications to enter the marine biology research field as skilled, strong applicants for laboratory technician scientist positions. The goal of the program is to provide critical training opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to them. This program will also create new opportunities to employ and retain diverse young scientists in the research field, and at Mote Marine Laboratory specifically.

Mote RAP allows for young professionals with at least one past internship experience to get further professional experience working at Mote Marine Laboratory, a world-renowned marine research laboratory. This stipend-supported apprenticeship program aims to make highly competitive candidates for hire at Mote (if available) and in the greater marine biology industry, and to lower financial barriers to gaining the minimum required experience for entry-level marine biology employment opportunities. Apprentices will be provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for one year, and will be mentored by world-renowned marine science researchers. This program offers opportunities to employ and retain the full spectrum of the nation’s diverse talent in marine science research.

Each Apprenticeship experience will include a variety of professional development and networking opportunities, extensive mentorship, and training.

This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Developing proficiency in a variety of laboratory skills
  • Mentorship and training by a team of experienced research staff
  • Skill strengthening workshops
  • Opportunities for shadow experiences at other research laboratories in nearby Florida
  • Opportunity to participate in relevant resume-boosting professional development opportunities
  • Opportunity to attend a professional conference alongside a conference mentor
  • Pre and post-program pathway guidance
2025-2026 Opportunity:

The 2025-2026 Mote Research Apprenticeship Program (Mote RAP) will provide a one-year intensive, fully immersive fellowship to give participants crucial experience and certifications to enter the Aquaculture and Fisheries research fields as skilled, strong applicants for laboratory technician scientist positions. The goal of the program is to create a highly skilled aquaculture and fisheries workforce in Florida, through practical education, hands-on training, and shared innovative technologies to promote sustainable U.S aquaculture and fisheries operations.

This year’s Apprenticeship experience will include:

  • Earning financial support via stipend for up to 1-year and financial support for travel to Mote Marine Laboratory
  • Mentorship and training by Mote Marine Laboratory staff
  • Skill Strengthening: ex. Fish husbandry, system maintenance, tagging techniques, otolith sampling and processing, study design, analytical software use, etc.
  • Integration into Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) workforce training and education programs
  • Communications training and opportunities to build public speaking skills
  • Conference attendance alongside a conference mentor
  • Pre- and post-program pathway guidance
  • Confidence building in pursuit of research careers in aquaculture and fisheries

Note: This Apprenticeship opportunity is integrated to Mote aquaculture and fisheries programs on the Mote Aquaculture Research Park campus as well as their workforce training laboratory at Mote SEA in Sarasota, FL.

Mote RAP Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application form (located in the banner on top of this page) and upload a one-to-two page personal statement or statement of interest, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation (which must be uploaded directly by their recommender), a copy of relevant certificates or diplomas, and the contact information for three professional references. More detailed instructions for preparing and submitting these materials are provided on the application page.

Application Details

The goal of this program is to provide financial support, mentorship, and pathway guidance to those interested in entering the aquaculture and fisheries science research field and industries. Through this program, we strive to provide critical training opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to them.

Eligibility:
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories.
  • Completed degree program in the last 2 years: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree
  • Available for the full duration of the one-year program
  • Must plan to pursue a career in marine science research

Program Runs: September 2025 – September 2026

Deadline to apply: Sunday, June 8th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Apprenticeship Hours

Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch and may include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.

Stipends, travel and housing information

Participants in the Mote Research Apprenticeship Program can receive:

  • Financial support via stipend for up to 1-year
  • Financial support for travel/relocation expenses to Sarasota, FL

Apprentices are responsible for finding and arranging their own housing in the surrounding areas, so bringing a car is highly recommended. Apprentices are responsible for providing or making arrangements for daily transportation to Mote.​

For more information on Mote’s aquaculture and fisheries research, check out the tabs below. For more about Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, click here.