EEHV 2025 Summer/Fall Internship

An intern will learn to monitor elephants for EEHV. The intern will learn how to optimize DNA preparations and qPCR assays on multiple sample types for EEHV, record results, laboratory management, record keeping, troubleshoot experiments, and write a brief report detailing his/her activities. The intern will also read scientific articles relating to the project and have the opportunity to attend virtual and in-person lectures and seminars at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. There is a possibility of learning about veterinary anatomic pathology, epidemiology, and clinical pathology.

Learning Objectives

The intern will learn to:

  • Perform qPCR on samples from DNA prep to PCR reaction setup and analysis
  • Record results in a lab notebook and on appropriate spreadsheets and prepare summaries of the results
  • Help manage a molecular laboratory

Qualifications

The intern must be a college junior (or above) currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field, a recent college graduate, or a veterinary or graduate student with some research background. The intern should have a sincere interest in life science research and plans for continued education or a career in life science or veterinary medicine. The incumbent must be able to dedicate 8-32 hours per week to this program. Hours and days are somewhat flexible. The internship will start as 1-2 days/week, with the possibility of more days being added. Attention to detail and manual dexterity to handle small tools, such as pipettors and reaction tubes, and to manipulate small or fragile specimens are required.

The intern must have strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment with staff, other interns, and a variety of volunteers. The intern should easily take directions, work well with others, and have the ability to be independent. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have experience in a laboratory with a solid background in molecular biology. The selected intern must be fingerprinted, have a negative TB test, be vaccinated for tetanus and SARS CoV-2, and pass a background check. The Smithsonian and the National Zoo are committed to a safe workplace and will require completion of lab safety, covid safety, and face covering online courses and will need a recent negative covid test.

Stipend

This is a paid internship. A stipend of up to $750/week will be offered (dependent on education level, coursework, skills, hours worked, and length of internship). College credit is offered if desired; the intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. The intern will be responsible for all transportation costs, living arrangements, and personal health insurance.

Location

Washington DC

Housing

The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.

Parking

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution do not provide free parking to interns.

Term of appointment

Interns will be at the Zoo for 8- 32 hours per week (schedule will be worked out with the chosen candidate). This is an internship for Fall/Summer 2025, exact dates to be determined, but most likely from Aug-Dec 2025.  An extension may be possible. 

Status

Open

Internship Category

Animal Programs

How to Apply

Email latimere@si.edu with the following information:

  • Name, cell phone, email address

  • Professional resume or CV

  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant laboratory 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.

  • Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

  • Two names of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor) and contact information (phone/email). 

  • Schedule of availability.