DAN Seeks Research Interns for Summer 2020

DURHAM, NC – January 15, 2020 – Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) is seeking talented undergraduate and graduate students to assist with its dive safety and medical research this summer.

Founded in 1999, the DAN Research Internship is a highly competitive program that gives candidates a strong foundation on which to build their careers. Interns will spend three months at the DAN offices in Durham, North Carolina, working on various facets of scientific research, including proposal writing, ethics approval, data collection, analysis and publication.

“Our research internship program is a truly remarkable experience and a unique opportunity for bright young students. It’s not about filing paperwork or making coffee runs; this is a demanding program that gives interns real-world life and career skills,” said Bill Ziefle, DAN President and CEO. “Former DAN Research Interns have made significant contributions in their fields, earned postgraduate degrees in science or medicine and blazed notable new career paths across the nation, from Key West to Kodiak. Some interns have returned later in their careers to become full-time DAN staff. This program is an important way that DAN supports the next generation of dive safety researchers — and it’s something we’re very proud to do.”

To qualify, candidates must be 20 years old by June 1, 2020, and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or in the first year of a graduate program, with an educational track in science preferred. As the research internship is dive-focused, applicants must also be certified scuba divers.

To apply for the internship, candidates should submit:

  • DAN’s Internship Application 
  • Professional/academic resume
  • Dive resume (number of dives, environmental and depth range, specialties/certifications)
  • Two letters of reference from academic and/or professional sources
  • Cover letter (maximum two pages) describing your history (including your ties to diving), interests, aspirations and how the internship will benefit your personal and professional growth

For more information, read about DAN’s Internship Program or email us at . The application deadline is January 31, 2020.

DAN Research will review applicants’ qualifications and conduct phone interviews before making final decisions in mid-February. Interns will be notified in March. The internship generally begins around Memorial Day week and ends in late August.


About DAN: The world’s most recognized and respected dive safety organization, Divers Alert Network (DAN) has remained committed to the health and well-being of divers for 40 years. The organization’s research, medical services and global-response programs create an extensive network that supports divers with vital services such as injury prevention, safety and educational programs and lifesaving evacuations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of divers around the world look to DAN as their dive safety organization. Join the DAN community or learn more at DAN.org.