PROJECT TITLE: Global Genome Initiative for Gardens: Genome-quality
tissue collection and preservation in Texas, Summer 2019.
POSITION TITLE: Global Genome Initiative for Gardens Internship
TIMETABLE: 14 weeks, May – August 2019, expected
WHERE: Botanical Research Institute of Texas; Fort Worth, Texas
Payment: The selected applicants will receive a $2,000 stipend for their
work with this project.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Global Genome Initiative (GGI) is a
Smithsonian-led international collaboration directed toward collecting and
preserving genomic tissues from global biodiversity. The principle aim
of GGI is to collect and preserve genome-quality tissue from specimens
representing all families from the major branches of the tree of life
and 50% of genera. To achieve these targets for global plant diversity,
the Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) was formed at
the National Museum of Natural History in 2015. In August 2018, the
Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) moved its base of
operations to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort
Worth, TX. Here GGI-Gardens is building a network of preserved tissue
collections from botanical gardens throughout Texas. During 14 weeks
from May-August 2019, we will collect plant specimens and preserve genome
quality tissues from the flora of Texas, emphasizing living collections
in botanical gardens of Texas. The selected applicants for this internship
will assist in this effort.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Enrollment (or recently graduated) in a program for Bachelor’s degree
in biology, botany, environmental/life science, or horticulture (or
demonstration of equivalent experience).
Minimum of one undergraduate- or graduate-level course in botany, plant
science, plant ecology, etc.
Ability to work outside for several hours, lift 30 lbs of field equipment,
and collect plant specimens from herbs, shrubs, and trees in dense,
wooded vegetation.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive in and around
North/Central Texas.