Reproductive Physiology Research Internship

Organization: Memphis Zoo
Location: Memphis, TN, United States
Job Family: Conservation and Research Department
Job Type: Full time/Seasonal
Job or Internship: Reproductive Physiology Research Internship (Paid +Housing), Summer 2024
Start Date: Start date is flexible for the position but preferred start date is between May 27th and June 10th.
Duration: This internship is full-time (40 hrs /week) for 12 weeks. An applicant must be available for an entire 12-week period.
Support Provided: 1) $12.10/hr stipend, and 2) Free group housing is provided in a 2 bedroom/2 bath condominium located near the Zoo. Rooms and bathrooms are shared with other summer interns.
Hiring Manager: The position will report to Beth Roberts, Senior Conservation Biologist
General Description:
Memphis Zoo's Department of Conservation & Research is offering 12-week, 40hr/ week paid internships in conservation biology. The position is available to upper-level undergraduate students and applicants 1-2 years 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:
Summer Reproductive physiology intern will be under direct supervision of Senior Conservation Scientist, Beth Roberts (broberts@memphiszoo.org). The Reproductive physiology intern will study multiple aspects of Reproductive Physiology, health, and welfare of endangered species. Interns will be trained in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment and skills to assist with the investigation of biomarkers of reproductive health and the development of assisted reproductive technologies for mammals, snakes, and tarantula. Depending on project needs, interns may learn techniques to perform hormone extractions, enzyme immunoassays (EIA), semen analysis, and sperm cryopreservation as well as gain experience and knowledge in Reproductive Physiology, behavior observations, literature review, sample inventory, and data management, organization, and analysis in Microsoft excel and additional software as needed. Interns may also participate in educational outreach at the Zoo, perform husbandry duties for endangered Mississippi gopher frogs and Louisiana pinesnakes. Travel to other zoos and working unconventional hours and on weekends may occur dependent of project needs.
Preference will be given to applicants:
• Who have completed or are working towards a bachelor's degrees in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Have previous research experience in biological research in laboratory and/or field setting
• Are interested in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, veterinary or conservation science.
Requirements for this position include:
• Completion of at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework in animal or biological sciences and at least two laboratory-based courses
• Experience in using basic lab equipment and micropipettes
• Experience with Microsoft Office Excel and have good organizational skills
• Applicants must have good attention to detail and be able to perform repetitive tasks in a laboratory setting.
• Able to follow directions, work independently, and handle confidential information.
• Self-motivated and willingness to work long hours
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Timeliness and ability to adhere to a schedule
• The ability to work within a diverse and inclusive team of researchers
• Applicant must be able to work in the United States. Employer will not pay fees associated with relocation or visa/work permit applications.
• All successful candidates are required to submit to a background check and drug test
• 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.
Materials to Submit: The application deadline is April 5th, but submissions will be reviewed as received. APPLY ONLINE at https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers. The position is listed under internships. There are several Research Internship being advertised, so do check that you are applying for --"Reproductive Physiology".
Women and underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply.
Submit the following application materials as ONE PDF:
(1) A cover letter describing your interests and experience
(2) CV- work and research experience
(3) Unofficial college transcript
(4) Contact information for three professional references.
Apply at Memphis Zoo career application website. Submit the PDF via the in the Resume section. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Preferred candidates will be contacted for an interview via Zoom. Send questions to Beth Roberts broberts@memphiszoo.org with the subject line "Summer Reproductive Physiology Internship"