Felid Endocrinology Internship

This internship provides the opportunity for the selectee to gain experience in practical laboratory techniques for processing biological samples for endocrine analysis. The SCBI felid reproductive team is seeking an applicant for consideration to serve as an intern for the 2024 spring/summer session (for 6 months, Feb - July).  The intern will support ongoing research projects on felid reproduction, with the focus mostly on cheetahs and clouded leopards.  This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's (SNZCBI's) Departments of Reproductive and Animal Care Sciences at our Front Royal, Virginia, campus.

Through this internship, the intern will:

• Learn  basic techniques of biological sample handling and processing alongside professional staff
• Learn data entry, sample and database management  
• Learn how to extract steroid hormones from biological samples
• Learn and follow laboratory safety guidelines, operations, and polices
• Learn how to assay biological samples to determine concentrations of steroids in feces and urine.
• Have the opportunity to interact with scientists, students and staff conducting research across numerous taxa and disciplines. 

• Completion of at least three years of undergraduate coursework in related field of study, including at least two laboratory-based courses. 
• Candidates should be efficient, organized, and possess strong computer skills (especially Excel) 
• Must be available to devote a minimum of 40 hours a week Monday – Friday, with willingness to be periodically available outside normal business hours
• 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
• Previous internships or other experience in a laboratory setting is not required but is viewed positively by the review committee
• Interest in learning about carnivore reproduction with aspirations to advance in the wildlife or zoo research field
• Experience with exotic carnivores or wildlife animal care is a plus

Safety Plan

• Intern must follow all applicable COVID-19 as set forth by the Smithsonian
• Intern will have access to a computer while performing lab duties
• Prior to conducting lab activities, intern will complete all required safety training modules
• Intern will not perform duties when SCBI is closed for weather events 
• Intern will not report to the SCBI campus if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness that have been associated with COVID-19
• Intern will take COVID-related safety training online, ahead of reporting to SNZCBI for the first time

February to July 2024

To apply, go to the SOLAA website. Select "New to SOLAA? Create Account Here" and 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 
• Degrees held or expected 
• Two names and contact information for professional references (including email and phone number; one must be from a current or a former supervisor). If applications are not complete, including references provided with the on-line application, they will not be considered.

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.

Location:                    Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute-Front Royal, VA

Supervisors:              Adrienne Crosier, Ph.D. and Steve Paris 

Badge:                        Yes

Network:                    Yes

Summer/Fall:             Feb – July 2024 

Stipend:                      $1000/month 

Hours:                        40 hours per week Monday-Friday

Minor:                        No (You must have the Director’s prior approval)                     

Parent Consent:        N/A (You must keep Parental Consent on File)