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.
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.
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 should be submitted to the Memphis Zoo’s Internship board: https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers
https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MEM1007MEMZ/JobBoard/f8664b6f-3c39-4d03-9021-314c367515f5/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=1024e9f8-e2ab-4929-9c63-d74c357b449a
Applications with incomplete materials will NOT be considered. Please contact Dr. Richter (Research Scientist, mrichter@memphiszoo.org) with any questions.
