Organization: Memphis Zoo Location: Memphis, TN, United States Job or Internship: Research Internship Dates: March 15 – June 15, 2017. Start date flexible between early-late March. Application Deadline: January 31, 2017
Description: The Memphis Zoo Department of Research and Conservation is offering a research assistant position in behavioral ecology and reproductive physiology. This program offers a unique research experience in conservation, with a chance to work with amphibians both in the lab and in the field (roughly 80% lab work and 20% field work). Interns will gain experience in a variety of field and laboratory techniques, such as visual encounter surveys, hormone induced spermiaiton, sperm assessment, captive breeding, in vitro fertilization, behavioral observations, and morphological characterization. Additionally, interns will learn strategies for communicating their science to broad audiences and will have the opportunity of presenting their research findings in a professional scientific setting. Project synopsis: Amidst the sixth mass extinction, amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals, with more than 30% of amphibians (i.e. over 2000 species) at risk of extinction. One of the ways to safeguard species from extinction risks is to keep them in captive colonies. The ultimate goal of captive colonies, however, is to enhance in situ conservation of the species by releasing captive individuals and increasing or reestablishing natural populations. A critical factor that ultimately determines the success of captive release programs is whether released individuals have the ability to adapt to natural environments. With this in mind, we will be working on research projects that investigate the behavior and morphology of tadpoles in an array of different treatments. Requirements: 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 particular interest in behavioral ecology, leadership ability, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation. Experience with field studies, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and amphibian biology is preferred, but not required. Interns must be well organized and able to work well with a team and independently Benefits: This is an unpaid full-time (40 hr/wk) internship with off-site housing provided. Materials to submit: Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2017 and should include a letter of interest, CV, unofficial college transcript, and two letters of recommendation. The letter of interest should describe the applicant’s interests and experience related to biology/wildlife with more detail than what is provided in the CV. In addition, please clearly state the earliest possible start date within the letter of interest. If possible, submit these materials as a single PDF file. Recommendation letters may be emailed separately. All materials should be addressed to Dr. Sinlan Poo and emailed to [email protected] with the applicant’s last name and “Research Internship” in the subject line. Applications with incomplete materials will not be considered.
