Coral Health & Disease Internship Opportunity with Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys
The Coral Health & Disease Program (CHAD) at Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3) is seeking a motivated intern to assist with a broad spectrum of research activities covering dry lab, wet lab and possibly fieldwork. Generally, Mote’s CHAD program focuses on the susceptibility and resilience of corals to major stressors such as climate change, ocean acidification, and disease. Coral disease is one of the greatest threats to reefs around the world, causing catastrophic losses when outbreaks occur. Currently, the CHAD program is addressing an ongoing disease outbreak in the Florida Keys, which is causing what is now known as one of the longest and largest infectious coral disease outbreaks in recent history. As such, a number of research projects are underway for better understanding the cause(s) and consequences of this outbreak, as well as for developing remedies. Intern responsibilities may include: Dry lab • Processing biological samples using molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR • General lab maintenance, e.g. cleaning lab equipment and glassware, autoclaving • Protocol development Wet lab • Assisting with coral physiology assays such as measuring buoyant weight, photosynthesis/respiration, calcification rates, and photochemical efficiency Coral husbandry • Daily care of coral recruits within the land-based nursery • Basic aquaculture maintenance duties such as cleaning raceways Fieldwork • Assisting with coral outplanting, coral disease baseline surveys, disease progression monitoring and benthic surveys, underwater photography and videography, and data collection NOTE: AAUS SCUBA certification is required for assisting with fieldwork and applicants already meeting this criterion will be given first consideration. Computer work • Processing time-series photos from field surveys and generating photo-maps • Data entry Internship Details Eligibility | Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited university or college program at the undergraduate or graduate level OR be a recent college graduate to be eligible to apply for a Mote internship. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. International applicants must speak English fluently. Preferred Qualifications | We are seeking an applicant with a marine science background and a reasonable amount of lab and fieldwork experience to include skills related to molecular work, animal care and AAUS SCUBA certification. Ability to work semi-independently and show initiative without constant supervision is necessary. Start Date & Duration | We are looking to fill this position now so applications will be reviewed immediately; projected start date of November 5, 2018. We ask for a minimum 12-week commitment; extended internships are possible with approval from relevant supervisor(s) and should be addressed before starting. Location | This internship will be carried out at Mote’s IC2R3 facility on Summerland Key, Florida. Intern will be expected to have own means of transportation to and within the FL Keys. Work Hours | Typically Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm, with the possibility of long hours and weekends. Housing | On-site dormitory housing (shared rooms, no pets allowed) is available for a reasonable rate. We do offer complimentary housing for one dormitory RA (resident assistant) position; inquire about availability. Otherwise, we recommend interns budget at least $550/month for housing. Financial Support | This is an unpaid internship; however, there are scholarship opportunities available to help offset living expenses. https://mote.org/research/internships/scholarship-opportunities For more information or to apply: https://mote.org/research/internships/college-internship-program-overview Applications must include: • 1-2 pg Statement of Interest • Resume or CV • Unofficial transcript • A letter of recommendation uploaded directly by the recommender Do not worry that the website says the Fall deadline has already passed. If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Abigail Clark, acl...@mote.org, or Dr. Hanna Koch, hk...@mote.org.
