Art Intern, Quanta Magazine

POSITION SUMMARY

Quanta Magazine is looking for a motivated art and design intern for the summer of 2026. This is an outstanding opportunity for a beginning designer to learn about editorial design, illustration and photography, infographics and web production while developing real-world skills at a dynamic digital magazine centered on the world of science. The intern will receive training and mentoring from the art team and the magazine editors and will potentially leave with some nice portfolio pieces.

This paid internship is full time at 40 hours per week. It will take place on-site at the Simons Foundation offices in New York City between June 1st to August 14th, 2026.

Learn more about summer internships at Simons Foundation here: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/summer-at-simons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the art director with art and photography research; contact scientists and press officers to track down images to illustrate articles, blog posts and other features.
• Assist the graphics editor with research for infographics.
• Assist the web producer with miscellaneous tasks.
• Depending on the candidate skills: develop illustrations, infographics and layouts and/or work on color correction and photo editing.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates should be working toward a degree in art/design.
• A strong portfolio in one or more of the following: graphic design, digital illustration, Infographics and data visualization, web design and development, animation, photo editing.
• Knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop.
• A strong interest in science is a big plus.
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Figma, 3D illustration and After Effects is also a plus.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter describing your interest in this position.
• Portfolio showing at least 10 pieces you have worked on previously, explaining the context of their creation and your role in it.

COMPENSATION

• This internship pays $20 to $25 per hour, depending on degree level.

ABOUT QUANTA

Quanta Magazine is an award-winning, editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation to enhance public understanding of science. Our reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, with an emphasis on delivering timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for our broad, discerning audience. Quanta was awarded a 2022 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting, a 2020 National Magazine Award for general excellence, and a 2025 National Magazine Award for best single-topic issue. Quanta has syndication partnerships with Wired, The Atlantic and other publications, has published two books (Alice and Bob Meet the Wall of Fire and The Prime Number Conspiracy) and our articles have been translated into several languages.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.