KISS Summer Intern
Job Summary
The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) develops new planetary, Earth, and astrophysics space mission concepts and technology by bringing together a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers for sustained scientific and technical interaction. The Institute also provides opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate in cutting-edge space mission research and learning. KISS supports significant outreach to the public and the wider technical and scientific community via open lectures, symposia, and the Internet.
KISS acts as a bridge between academia, NASA, JPL, and the wider space sector, convening technical study programs, symposia, and applied research initiatives that shape the future of space exploration.
Under the direction of the KISS Executive Director, the summer intern will support three areas of KISS activity during a busy and exciting summer season: a major three-day symposium in late July, impact assessment analysis for KISS programs, and supporting a website content migration project. This is a hands-on, varied role ideally suited to someone who is well-organized, a strong communicator, comfortable with data, and genuinely curious about space.
Essential Job Duties
Symposium Support
KISS is organizing the 'A New Era of Space Science: Actionable and Affordable Mission Plans' Symposium in partnership with the Brinson Exploration Hub (July 28-30) that will bring together experts from science, engineering, and the commercial space sector to develop credible low-cost Moon and Mars mission concepts. Symposium support duties include, but are not limited to:
- Setting up and cleaning event spaces before and after sessions; moving tables, rolling carts with event supplies, putting up directional signs and banners
- Checking in attendees and serving as a point of contact for guests throughout the event
- Supporting catering, AV, and room logistics in collaboration with KISS staff
- Taking notes and compiling session summaries, key findings, and action items
Note: must be available to work different hours (7am-4pm, or 10am-7pm during the symposium week, pending staffing schedule confirmation)
Impact Analysis
KISS tracks the downstream outcomes of its study programs and symposia, publications, mission concepts, industry partnerships, and funded follow-on work. The intern will help build a more robust and repeatable annual process for capturing this impact:
- Review and streamline the existing impact tracking spreadsheet, improving structure, consistency, and usability for ongoing staff use
- Develop a set of written case studies highlighting the real-world outcomes of selected KISS programs (e.g., how a KISS study seeded a NASA mission)
- Compile and synthesize survey responses into the impact tracking framework, conducting additional interviews with space experts as needed.
- Produce a reusable process guide so the annual impact review can be run independently by KISS staff going forward
- Present findings and recommendations at the end of the internship
Website Content Migration
- Support the migration of KISS program content to an updated website structure
- Review, organize, and lightly edit existing content for accuracy and clarity
- Work with KISS staff to identify content gaps and prioritize pages
- Ensure historical study programs, symposia, and leadership information are accurately represented
Basic Qualifications
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and work with a broad variety of individuals
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Attentive, courteous, and professional when dealing with guests, speakers, and staff
- Positive attitude, customer focus, and willingness to roll up sleeves for physical setup tasks
- Comfortable with data and spreadsheets (Google Sheets / Excel)
- Physical ability to lift up to 35 pounds, bend, climb stairs, push/pull rolling carts, and work outdoors in all weather
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a service, events, or customer-facing role (event coordination, hospitality, retail, or similar)
- Interest in or background in space science, physics, engineering, or science policy
- Familiarity with research impact or survey design methods
- General office skills
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover letter
