Physiology Research Internship (Paid)

Job Title: Physiology Research Internship (Paid)
Job Type: Seasonal
Pay Rate: $12.10/hr
Duration of position: 12 weeks
Organization: Memphis Zoo
Location: Memphis, TN, United States
General Description:
Memphis Zoo's Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship in
physiology and conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level
undergraduate students and students 1-2 year post-college. 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:
Physiology Research Internship
Research Mentor/Direct Supervisor: Dr. Melanie Richter (Research Scientist,
mrichter@memphiszoo.org)
Project Description:
The Physiology Intern will work with Research Scientist, Dr. Richter, to investigate how
the introduction of a new herd member affects the fecal corticosterone levels in African
elephants. The successful candidate will extract hormones from fecal samples, perform
ELISAs to measure hormone content, and interpret the results. Outside of this project
the intern will likely have the opportunity to assist with a variety of other ongoing
projects such as reproductive assessments in snakes, reproductive work with
tarantulas, and husbandry of our breeding colonies. The intern will additionally learn
how to conduct literature reviews, manage and analyze data, how to keep a useful
laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that
come up in conducting research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed or are completing their
bachelor's degrees in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
Applicants with previous research experience and an interest in pursuing/attending
graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, and conservation are strongly
preferred. Requirements for this position include the ability to work within a diverse and
inclusive team of researchers, follow instruction, and exhibit excellent oral and written
skills. The intern may need to travel with their research mentor to additional work sites
outside the zoo and may be working unconventional hours and on weekends.
Ideal Candidate for Position:
Who should apply? Interns with the following will benefit most from this opportunity:
- Previous research experience in the biological sciences
- A strong interest in applied conservation biology
- Willingness to work long hours
- Ability to engage respectfully with a diverse team of collaborators
- Ability to work independently
- A general curiosity and interest in asking novel questions
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and positive attitude
EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we
seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members
representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse
workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with
disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated
against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status,
veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or
federal laws.
If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please
let your hiring manager (mrichter@memphiszoo.org) or the Human Resources team
(HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
Support Provided:
1. $12.10/hr stipend
2. Free housing will be provided in the Memphis Zoo's condominium located near
the zoo. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to 4 people/room.
Interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.
Duration:
This internship is full-time (40hr/week) for 12 weeks. Start Date is June 1st, 2024
(though flexible).
How to apply:
Application deadline is 1 April 2024. However, applications will be considered on a
rolling basis and the submission window may be closed earlier if a candidate is found
before that date.
Applications should be submitted to the Memphis Zoo's Internship board:
https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers
Please make sure to submit the following application materials as ONE PDF:
1. A cover letter (max. 2pg)
2. CV
3. Unofficial college transcripts
4. Contact information for three professional or academic references
Applications with incomplete materials will NOT be considered. Please contact Dr.
Richter (Research Scientist, mrichter@memphiszoo.org) with any questions.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.
Memphis Zoo is a drug free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
By submitting your application you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
Certification
I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate. I understand that providing false or misleading information will be basis for rejection of my application, or if employment commences, immediate termination.
I authorize PARC Inc to contact former employers and educational organizations regarding my employment and education. I authorize my former employers and educational organizations to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment, attendance, and grades. I authorize those persons designated as references to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment and education.
If an employment relationship is created, I understand that unless I am offered a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by its CEO, the employment relationship will be "at-will". In other words, the relationship will be entirely voluntary in nature, and either I or my employer will be able to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without cause.
With appropriate notice, I will have the full and complete discretion to end the employment relationship when I choose for reasons of my choice. Similarly, my employer will have the same right. Moreover, no agent, representative, or employee of PARC INC, except in a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by the CEO, has the power to alter or vary the voluntary nature of the employment relationship.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE CERTIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.