Wildlife Endocrinology Internship (Seasonal, Paid + Shared Housing)

Memphis Zoo • Memphis, TN

3d

About The Position

Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual
for a Wildlife Endocrinology Research Internship to support the monitoring zoo
wildlife physiology using non-invasive techniques and hormone analysis. The
position is available to upper-level undergraduate students and early
post-college graduates. This internship offers research experience in a zoo
setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects
to save wildlife, and provides valuable training in laboratory techniques,
experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general
biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

The Wildlife Endocrinology Internship will support ongoing research projects in
conservation physiology, with a focus non-invasive physiological monitoring to
assess animal health and reproduction in a conservation setting. Interns will
use hormone analysis to help researchers and animal care staff monitor multiple
species including Amur Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Caracals, Snow leopards,
Sumatran Orangutans, Siamang apes, etc. Interns will learn all aspects of the
enzyme immunoassay (EIA) workflow and perform laboratory techniques related to
hormone quantification including sample collection and organization, fecal
hormone extraction, sample dilution, hormone analysis, data entry, organization
and analysis, behavioral observations. Interns will assist with sample, data,
and record organization and learn the basics of data analysis including graphic
and descriptive statical analysis and report writing to communicate results to
animal care staff. Depending ongoing lab projects, interns may also assist with
DNA extraction from feces, tissues, and swabs as well as assist with animal
handling and sample collections for ongoing endangered snake reproductive and
disease screening projects.

Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants must be able to perform repetitive tasks in a laboratory setting.
• Able to follow directions, work independently.
• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degrees in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Previous research experience in biological research in laboratory and/or field setting.
• Interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, veterinary or conservation science.
• Written and oral communication.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Familiar with R or other Statical analysis program.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.

Responsibilities

• Training in techniques for noninvasive hormone monitoring, to monitor zoo animal health and reproduction.
• Learn to process and extract serum, urine and fecal samples as well as reagent preparation for hormone measurement using enzyme immunoassays (EIA).
• Investigate the connection between animal environment, behavior, and reproductive status and hormone biomarkers.
• Learn laboratory skills, project, data, and sample management and analysis.
• Develop foundational research skills, including conducting literature reviews, managing and analyzing data, maintaining a laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that come up while conducting research.

Benefits

• Memphis Zoo offers perks for interns and team members.
• Free housing for interns may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located 1.5 miles from the zoo. The 2 bedrooms/2 baths furnished condominium with washer/dryer/dishwasher houses up to 4 people/bedrooms (bedrooms shared with a same-sex roommates).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees