Cryobanking for Conservation: Red Wolf Internship

Project Description

The Red Wolf is a critically endangered American canid, with fewer than 30 individuals in the reintroduced population and approximately 290 managed individuals in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Saving Animals from Extinction program population. As result, it is vital to the survival of the species that every valuable animal is represented in the next generation, to maintain genetic variability in the population. The proposed research in the Center for Species Survival, under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Nagashima is focused on Red Wolf reproductive biology and cryo-banking, including assessing and validating changes to Red Wolf sperm proteins during cryopreservation and thawing. Additionally, the intern will train in Biorepository management 

Learning Goals and Objectives

Intern will learn under the supervision of the Center for Species Survival staff. Learning objectives will include sterile culture techniques, microscopy, record keeping, laboratory and equipment maintenance, data analyses, and data presentation.

This appointment provides the student with an increased understanding of gamete biology and reproduction, as well as experience in conservation research and medicine. Students will be given all the necessary training to work safely with chemicals and biological samples. Feedback will be given as needed as the student progresses through the internship. We will provide the student with recommendations for future internships/jobs as needed for a two year period. 

Learning activities may include but are not limited to:

• Sterile culture technique
• Immunofluoresence microscopy
• Gonadal tissue and sperm cryopreservation and incubation
• Protein extraction and Western blotting
• Summarizing data and data analyses 
• Statistical analyses 
• Cataloging and inventorying supplies 
• Laboratory management –cleaning, restocking and preparing reagents 
• Professional development – research presentation skills, seminars

Intern Qualifications and Abilities:

• 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 Excel).
• 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 carnivore reproduction with aspirations to advance in the wildlife or zoo research field.

Safety Plan

• Intern must follow all applicable Covid19 as set forth by the Smithsonian
• 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
• Intern will take COVID-related safety training online, ahead of reporting to SCBI for the first time

Stipend

This is a paid internship ($10,000 / 25 weeks)

Hours

The position is M-F, 9-5 but flexibility is possible once initial training in basic laboratory safety and techniques has been completed

Location

Center for Species Survival at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute campus in Front Royal, VA.

Housing

Dormitory housing (single room) on-center is available for $9/night plus a $5 linen fee, if desired.

Parking

The intern will be provided with free parking on the Front Royal NZCBI 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 25 week (~5.5 month) internship starting approximately October 12, 2026 – April 5, 2027 (exact start/end dates flexible)

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:

• Letter of Intent: 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.
• Resume or CV summarizing education (including current academic status) and employment experience.
• Two letters of reference, including at least one academic reference. References should be emailed directly into SOLAA from the reference. If referrers prefer to send letters of reference directly to the intern coordinators, please email [email protected]. However, applicants must notify the coordinators if their references will be arriving separately, or the application may be considered incomplete. 

Once you create your account and provide the requested information, you will be prompted to select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

• Type of appointment: “Internship”
• Unit of interest: “NZCBI – National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute"
• Program: “National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) Internship Program”
• Project: “SCBI – Cryobanking for Conservation: Red Wolf”

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