Black Rhinoceros Epigenetics Internship

The black rhinoceros is critically endangered with fewer than 6,500 animals in the wild. Major threats to their survival include poaching and loss of habitat. To save this charismatic species from extinction, fewer than 200 animals are managed in human care worldwide. Black rhinos in human care, however, experience a myriad of disease conditions not previously reported in their wild counterparts. As result, efforts are ongoing to understand the molecular basis of disease states often reported in ex situ managed black rhinos. The proposed research in the Center for Species Survival, under the guidance of Drs. Budhan Pukazhenthi and Molly Corder in collaboration with Dr. Alexandra DeCandia (Georgetown University) will i) characterize the genome-wide epigenetic variation in black rhinos, ii) identify differences in methylation patterns between wild and zoo-managed rhinos, iii) examine the roles of DNA methylation in regulation of immune genes, and iv) establish associations between methylation patterns and disease phenotypes in zoo-managed rhinos. The internship will be in-person for six months and based at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) located in Front Royal, VA. 

Learning Objectives

The intern will learn under the supervision of the Center for Species Survival and Georgetown University staff. Learning objectives will include analysis of genome-wide methylation data, programming and data visualization in R, working with High Performance Computing Cluster, data mining, data presentation, and drafting a scientific manuscript. 

This appointment provides the intern with an increased understanding of the use of genomic tools, as well as experience in conservation research and medicine. Feedback will be given as needed as the intern progresses through the internship. 

Qualifications

  • Completion of at least three years of undergraduate coursework in related field of study.
  • Candidates should be efficient, organized, and possess strong computer skills (especially programing in R, command line coding).
  • Must be available to devote a minimum of 40 hours a week.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to be an effective team member, often with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to be flexible when changes occur.
  • Must be fingerprinted and pass a background check.
  • Interest in learning about endangered species conservation.

Stipend

This is a paid internship ($2,800/month; six months).

Location

Front Royal

Housing

Dormitory housing (single room) on-center is available for $9/night* plus a $5 linen fee, if desired. Housing includes a common kitchen equipped with a cooking range, microwave oven, and a refrigerator-freezer unit. Basic utensils also are provided for shared use.

Parking

The intern will be provided with free parking on the Front Royal SNZCBI campus for the duration of the internship, provided they adhere to the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of a personal vehicle on site and remain in good standing with the project lead.

Term of appointment

This is a six-month internship starting approximately September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026 (exact start/end dates flexible).

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

SCBI

How to Apply

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: “SCBI - Black Rhinoceros Epigenetics Internship”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.