Organization: Memphis Zoo
Location: Memphis, TN, United States
Job or Internship: Amphibian Ecology and Conservation Research Internship
Start Date: May 4th, 2020
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2020
Job Description:
Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship in conservation biology. The position is available for upper level undergraduate students and 1-2 year post-graduates. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife, and will provide valuable training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.
Specific Project & Internship Description:
Amidst the sixth mass extinction, amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals. In light of these threats, captive colonies have been established for insurance and future reintroductions. However, a critical factor that determines the success of these programs is whether captive-released individuals have the ability to adapt to natural environments. With this in mind, we will be working on research projects that investigate the reproductive biology, development, morphology, and survivorship of captive-bred amphibians at various life stages in an array of different treatments both in the lab and in the field.
Specifically, the Amphibian Ecology and Conservation Intern will work with Dr. Sinlan Poo, who is a Research Scientist at the Memphis Zoo. The intern will learn a variety of field and laboratory techniques, including visual encounter surveys, hormone induced spermiation/ovulation, sperm assessment, cryopreservation, captive breeding, in vitro fertilization, amphibian development and morphology assessments, and field monitoring of tadpoles and juveniles. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to communicate their research to the public through educational outreaches at the Zoo.
Support Provided:
1) A stipend of $4,320 for the entire internship
2) Free housing in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium, located near the Zoo, for the duration of the internship. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to four people, and interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.
Requirements for this Position:
Applicants must have a B.S. or at least three years of college level course work in biology or a related field. Preference will be given to individuals with a strong academic record and a particular interest in amphibian ecology. Experience with field experiments, laboratory techniques, and data analysis is preferred, but not required. Interns must have a strong work ethic and a willingness and flexibility to work consecutive days (including weekends) depending on the need of the animals. Interns must be comfortable with potentially working long hours in the lab and under uncomfortable conditions in the field. Other requirements include the ability to work with a team and independently, follow instruction, and exhibit excellent oral and written skills.
Duration:
This internship is full-time, 4-month internship. The intern must be able to start on Monday, May 4th, 2020 and be present for the entire period.
Materials to Submit:
Visit https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.memphiszoo.org%2Fcareers&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785308875&sdata=0Rcc%2BhjhBPrTUtmgr8W6EUU%2FzZxcCd1uiyHxZ2PuuIw%3D&reserved=0 to apply online. Make sure to select the correct internship, as there may be several concurrent research internship postings. Materials required in the online application include (1) a cover letter or letter of interest, (2) CV, (3) unofficial college transcript, and (4) a list of three professional references. Submit these materials as a single PDF file via the Memphis Zoo job application website. Applications with incomplete materials will not be considered.
Question regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Sinlan Poo (spoo@memphiszoo.org) with “Amphibian Research Internship†in the subject line.
Women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply.