This is no joke or some spam. There really is a chance to win $10,000 not from me of course. But it seems the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago wants a live in guest for a solid month.
Here is an overview taken from their site.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is looking for “you.” And by “you,” we mean an adventurous, outgoing person with a strong interest in learning about science and the world around her or him, plus the ability to write engagingly about your experiences. Ideally, you’re also the web-savvy sort who can keep your thumb out of frame when taking photographs. If that “you” sounds like you, or if you are simply curious about this intriguing endeavor, then you should read on.
We’re looking for someone to take on a once-in-a-lifetime assignment: spend a Month at the Museum, to live and breathe science 24/7 for 30 days. From October 20 to November 18, 2010, this person’s mission will be to experience all the fun and education that fits in this historic 14-acre building, living here and reporting your experience to the outside world. There will be plenty of time to explore the Museum and its exhibits after hours, with access to rarely seen nooks and crannies of this 77-year-old institution.
Sure, it’s a commitment. But if you are chosen and can successfully complete Month at the Museum, you’ll walk away with a prize of $10,000, a package of tech gadgets, and new knowledge and experiences that may just transform you.
Excellent writing skills are a must. Experience with speaking in public, media interviews and blogging are ideal. An outgoing nature will help when interacting with our guests and making public appearances. For your reporting via blog, Twitter and online video, some Web savvy and photography skills are also plusses.
The Prize
The winning applicant who completes the requirements of Month at the Museum will be awarded $10,000. In addition, he or she will keep the technology gear package (including a notebook computer and camera) provided at the start of the residence to document and report the experience.
Requirements of the Month at the Museum
The winning candidate must:
* Pass a drug test, behavioral assessment, and background checks.
* Sign an Agreement covering the terms of the engagement.
* Sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement. (We have a secret recipe for fun, and it can’t get out.)
* Agree to very limited contact with the outside, and limited and/or prohibited personal use of cell phone, texting, e-mail, Facebook, etc., during the residence period.
* Reside exclusively in the Museum during the residence period. Occasionally, the candidate will leave the Museum to see science where it happens or appear at events on the Museum’s behalf.
* Following the residence, make a few event appearances, if the Museum opts to arrange them.
Physical and other specific requirements of the position may include:
* Sleeping in confined or “untraditional” spaces.
* Significant walking around the Museum, including climbing stairs frequently.
* Lifting up to 40 lbs. (Of what, we don’t know yet. We’ll think of something.)
* Ability to stand for significant periods of time. (This might include working the Museum floor, performing live science demos, blowing up chemicals in our “Bangs, Flashes and Fire” show, and other really fun stuff.)
* Meeting, interacting and socializing with crowds of Museum guests every day … with a smile.
* Working on a computer daily to write about your amazing experiences.
* Speaking English for demonstrations and other appearances.
We’ve got important stuff in our Museum, and we like to keep the place nice. Rules of the house:
* Absolutely no visitors overnight or when the Museum is closed to the public.
* There is no smoking on the Museum premises at any time.
Rules and Regulations
* You may enter only once. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you from the competition. The Museum will not automatically confirm receipt of your application but you may request confirmation by e-mailing matm@msichicago.org no sooner than 10 days after submission of your application.
* You must not be previously or currently employed by the Museum (whether as an employee, volunteer or contractor), or related to or a member of the same household as an MSI employee, volunteer or contractor.
* You must be over the age of 18.
* You must be legally allowed to receive compensation for services in the United States.
* You must be available to live in the Museum for 30 days with no outside personal or work responsibilities. Semi-finalists may be required to submit evidence of their physical and mental fitness to fulfill the position specifications.
Entry Materials
Complete entries must include the following:
* VIDEO: A 60-second video (on DVD) telling us about you and why you should be the person chosen for this assignment. Use the video to showcase the creativity and qualities that make you the right person.
* ESSAY: A 500-word essay that explains why you want to be the person chosen to live in the Museum for a month.
* APPLICATION FORM: Complete and sign the application form and short-answer sheet.
* PHOTO: Submit a 5” x 7” head shot
* RELEASE AND WAIVER: Execute the Release and Waiver accompanying the application form.
Submission Guidelines
Mail your completed entry package to:
Month at the Museum
c/o Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Your entry materials must be received by MSI no later than Wednesday, August 11, 2010.
Your application becomes property of the Museum; we reserve the right to post your essay or video (either partially or its entirety) online. Materials sent to the Museum will not be returned.
You can get a copy of the entry application HERE