Reproductive Biology Research Internship

The Center for Species Survival (CSS) is one of the six centers within the Smithsonian National Zoological Park & Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). CSS researchers conduct basic and applied scientific research to advance the understanding about species’ reproductive biology and develop assisted breeding strategies to enhance genetic management of threatened and endangered wildlife. Staff scientists have pioneered important concepts in reproductive biology for threatened and endangered species and created new conservation tools, including noninvasive approaches for monitoring hormone profiles and reproductive technologies, such as gamete cryopreservation and artificial insemination. 

Research conducted within CSS is connected to complimentary tools in the fields of veterinary medicine, nutrition, animal husbandry, conservation physiology, population biology, and genomics and in that way is highly collaborative. 

Interns will receive training under the supervision of CSS scientists and staff. Internship duties involve biological sample processing and analysis, record keeping, and data presentation. This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn skills pertaining to sperm analysis and cryopreservation and non-invasive hormone monitoring techniques.

Please note: this internship does NOT involve working directly with animals.

The internship will be located at the SCBI’s Front Royal, Virginia campus. The selected candidate will receive dormitory-style housing on site at a minimal cost and a stipend to cover living expenses. 

Learning Objectives

Interns will receive training and mentorship to learn about:

  • Sperm analysis and cryopreservation
  • Extracting hormones from hair samples
  • Conducting enzyme immunoassays to measure hormones
  • Data entry and some statistical analyses
  • Interpreting hormone data and profiles

Qualifications

Interns must have:

  • Completed at least 3 years of undergraduate coursework, including the equivalent of at least two semesters of laboratory work.
  • Be efficient, organized, and possess strong quantitative and computer skills (especially Excel).
  • Have good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Commit to a minimum of 40 hours/week unless other arrangements are agreed upon.
  • Be flexible when changes occur.
  • Be interested in animal conservation and research and able to engage in a team environment with staff and other interns. 
  • Complete fingerprinting and pass a federal background check.

Stipend

Interns will receive a stipend of $1,200 per month for the duration of the internship.

Location

Front Royal

Housing

Dormitory housing is available at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Front Royal, Va., campus. Housing will be provided on site for the duration of the internship, provided intern adheres to dorm rules and remains in good standing with the campus community.

Parking

The intern will be provided with free parking on the Front Royal 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 an 8-month internship starting at or around March 1, 2025.

 

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Research

How to Apply

To apply, go to: 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, commitment to supporting diversity in the sciences, 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 letters of recommendation. 

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: Reproductive Science in Conservation

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.