Marine Research: Shark Population Genetics Internship - Fall 2023

Internship: Marine Research: Shark Population Genetics
Season: Fall 2023 (Approx Oct-Dec)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: Thursday August 31 at 5pm CST
 
Internship Overview: 
Scientists from Shedd’s Conservation Research department conduct research to better understand wild animals and their habitats, helping us work with partners to build management strategies to protect them.  The Shedd Shark and Ray Program aims to help conserve shark species in the Northwest Atlantic and Caribbean regions.  This internship falls under a specific project withing the program focused on describing the population connectivity and recovery potential of Caribbean reef sharks through genetic analysis.  This project is co-led between the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum and the internship will involve time spent at both facilities. 
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Demonstrate proficiency in genetic sample sequencing preparations  
• Organize sample and specimen databases, and create summaries for both 
• Produce two high quality scientific blogs for publication on the funding organization’s website 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Assist with genetic sample processing and preparation for sequencing, which may include DNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation for next generation sequencing 
• Participate in database management for both samples and specimens (the sharks they were collected from) ; summarize associated specimen data sets 
• Compose and publish two scientific blogs focused on the study for use on external websites 
• Under guidance of staff, complete paperwork required for foreign biological sample acquisition and importation 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Marine Science, Conservation Research, Population Management, or related.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Lab and data analysis experience preferred but not required 
• Competence with Microsoft Office (mainly Excel, Word, and Powerpoint) 
• Attention to detail and accuracy 
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $15.80 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 25 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: Flexible Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).