Amphibian Ecology and Conservation Research Internship - Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
Agency: Memphis Zoo
Location: Memphis, TN
Closing Date: March 15, 2021
Contact: Dr. Sinlan Poo, sheilapoo@gmail.com with questions.
Term/Grade: Full-time internship
Position Summary: Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship in conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and 1-2 year post-graduates. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife, and will provide valuable training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.
Major Duties: Amidst the sixth mass extinction, amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals. In light of these threats, captive colonies have been established for insurance and future reintroductions. However, a critical factor that determines the success of these programs is whether captive-released individuals can adapt to natural environments. With this in mind, we will be working on research projects that investigate the reproductive biology, development, morphology, and survivorship of captive-bred amphibians at various life stages in an array of different treatments both in the lab and in the field.
Specifically, the Amphibian Ecology and Conservation Intern will work with Dr. Sinlan Poo (Research Scientist, Department of Conservation and Research). The intern will learn a variety of field and laboratory techniques, including visual encounter surveys, hormone induced spermiation/ovulation, sperm assessment, cryopreservation, captive breeding, in vitro fertilization, amphibian development and morphology assessments, and field monitoring of tadpoles and juveniles. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to communicate their research to the public through educational outreaches at the Zoo.
See the complete announcement and apply here.
