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Onager Internship

We are not currently accepting applications for this internship.

Background

Onagers are more closely related to the domestic donkey than to domestic horses. The Persian onager is endemic to Iran and the population has now been reduced from thousands of animals to about  500 animals left in the wild. Loss of habitat, poaching, competition with domestic livestock and the detrimental effects of war and civil unrest threaten remaining populations. Therefore, maintaining a healthy population of onagers as an insurance collection in captivity is critical for long-term survival of this species. 

Assisted reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination (AI) are now used routinely in the domestic horse to facilitate breeding and genetic management, but this success required decades of research to understand the fundamental biology of both males and females. Successful implementation of assisted reproductive technologies requires the sound understanding of the reproductive physiology of both the male and female onager. 

Very little is known about the reproductive biology of this species. This project entails developing a sound understanding of male and female physiology. In females, hormone patterns will be assessed through assays of collected urine and feces as well as ultrasound examination.

Responsibilities

There are currently opportunities for two separate internships.
Please indicate on your application which internship you prefer.

Internship 1: General Animal Management and Onager Reproductive Biology

Location: The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

The intern will work at the Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. This appointment is a joint internship through the Smithsonian’s Conservation and Research Center and the Wilds, a 10,000 acre wildlife conservation center in Cumberland, Ohio. The intern will be responsible for collecting urine and fecal samples from female onagers in the mornings and working with animal management staff during the remainder of the day. He or she will assist animal management staff in day-to-day operations including feeding, cleaning, and routine procedures with the centers’ diverse animal collection. This will provide an opportunity to interact with a variety of animals as well as the keepers and is ideal for those considering a career as a keeper. The emphasis of this internship will be on animal management.

Internship 2: Onager Reproductive Biology

Location: Smithsonian National Zoo, Conservation and Research Center, Front Royal, Virginia

The intern has the opportunity to travel to the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, VA. The intern working will be responsible for collecting urine and fecal samples from female onagers in the mornings and for conducting hormonal analyses on urine and fecal samples that have been collected and shipped from other North American zoos. He or she will be trained in general laboratory techniques, fecal extraction, and enzyme immunoassay. All necessary training will be provided on-site and the intern will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of researchers studying a variety of endangered species. There will also be opportunities to learn about cryopreservation techniques and how to handle frozen semen. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in research, veterinary medicine, or conservation biology.

Desired Qualifications and Abilities

Internship 1: The intern must be prepared to handle a work day spent outside. This internship also requires moderate physical activity for periods of time. The intern is expected to work at least 40 hours a week. A good work ethic is a must as there will be some weeks where the workload is demanding.  Previous experience with horses or other large animals is also as you will be interacting with onagers five to six days per week. A minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework in biology, animal sciences, or conservation related fields is preferred.

Internship 2: The intern must have an ability to work independently and be detail-oriented, organized, efficient, responsible, and eager to learn. The intern is expected to work at least 40 hours a week. Organization and attention to detail are a must for this position. The intern should also have a strong interest in biological, animal, veterinary medicine, and/or environmental sciences. Previous experience with horses or other large animals is also helpful as you will be interacting with onagers five to six days per week. A minimum of three years of undergraduate coursework in the aforementioned fields, including at least one laboratory course, is preferred.

Term of Appointment

Applications are now being accepted for an immediate start at the Wilds and a start date of September 15 at the CRC in Virginia. The internship term is flexible. A minimum of a three-month commitment is required, although longer appointments are preferred. Please indicate your availability on your application.

Stipend

Will not be provided

Housing

Will be provided

vickm@si.edu:

  • Cover letter
  • Current resume or CV
  • College transcript (unofficial or electronic version is acceptable)
  • Contact information for three references, including affiliation, address, phone number, and email address. Indicate how they know you.

We prefer applications to be sent by email but you may mail or fax your materials to:

Dr. Mandi Vick
The Wilds
14000 International Rd.
Cumberland, OH 43732
Fax 740.638.2059 

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