Resilience CAP Summer Internship 2026

Hiring Organization: Michigan State University
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: East Lansing, MI
Application Due Date: May 4, 2026

Resilience CAP (RCAP) is a nation-wide sustainability/forage grant looking at the application of plant diversity, crop perenniality, and economic circularity in agroecosystems. This internship will provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience, design and complete an independent project, and learn about research taking place across multiple disciplines of agroecology. Learn more about RCAP here. Interns will be based at Michigan State University but will interact with students across the country to learn and share about the research occurring in their labs.

The Cassida Lab is hosting 2 summer interns as part of the Ag-Resilience project. Our Lab has a research focus on sustainable agriculture systems, specifically with forages and cover-cropping. Additional information about the Cassida Lab can be found on this website and about the Ag-Resilience project on this website. Interns will develop and present an independent research project related to the student and Cassida Lab interests. Students will participate in all aspects of research within the Lab, as well as participate in an Ag-Resilience CAP Symposium over Zoom at the end of the summer.

  • Location: East Lansing, MI, although travel may be necessary.
  • Duration: May 4th to August 10th, 2026 (Negotiable, minimum 10 weeks), can be extended to qualify for an MSU internship (ex. AT 293 or CSS 493).
  • Stipend: $15.00/hour or more with experience.
  • Hours: 40 hours/week.

Minimum requirements:

  • Currently an undergraduate at Michigan State.
  • A current driver’s license with a clean driving record.
  • Willingness to work both in the lab and field. Field sites are scattered in Michigan and physical work is completed under hot/cold/wet/dry conditions.
  • Ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively with other undergraduate and graduate students, and technical staff on projects.

Closing date:

The position will remain open until filled. For best consideration, send your application to Dr. Smolek as soon as possible.

Interested applicants should send:

  • A cover letter describing your background in relation to the minimum requirements and preferred qualifications, as well as your professional interests.
  • CV or resume
  • A list of 3 references.

Contact Dr. Smolek with any questions.

RCAP Internship Flyer.