Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering a paid amphibian internship in conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 years post-college. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife. The internship will provide valuable training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis to prepare for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences. Please visit www.sheilapoo.com to learn more about the research in the Amphibian Lab.

Amphibian Research Intern

Summary:

The Amphibian Research Internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife. Interns will learn a variety of field and laboratory techniques, such as visual encounter surveys, field sampling, night surveys, amphibian husbandry, morphology assessments, parasite identification, etc. Interns will learn about research design and the scientific method, conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and work through the process of sharing the findings of their study with a broader audience. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with researchers and external collaborators from Arkansas State University, Rhodes College, and other academic institutions in the region.

Essential Dates:

• This is a 12-week internship.
• Completed applications are due March 5, 2025.
• Anticipated start date for position is Mid-May - June 1, 2025.

Project Objectives:

• Amphibian Interns will work on various research projects focused on ex situ and in situ conservation.
• Amphibian Interns will learn about research design and the scientific method, conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and work through the process of sharing the findings of their study with a broader audience.

Minimum Qualifications:

•  Must be an upper-level undergraduate student OR a 1-2 years post college student.
• Previous research experience in biology, ecology, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Prior research experience with amphibians and/or reptiles.
• Prior field research experience.
• Prior experience in basic laboratory techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing.
• Interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, herpetology, and conservation.

Competencies:

•  Proficient in MS Office.
•  Problem solving & analysis.
•  Attention to detail.
•  Flexibility.
•  Teamwork orientation.
•  Oral and written communication.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Curator of Research, Dr. Sinlan Poo. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is internship position works up to 40 hours a week and often requires flexible hours including day, evening, and weekend hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel, and administration are to be expected.

This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.  

Work Environment:  While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (lab/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to/around field sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening. 
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

Paid Housing

Free housing for interns will be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located near the zoo. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to 4 people/room. Interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Application Requirements:

Cover letter, with earliest available start date (2 page max)
CV
Unofficial college transcript.
Three professional or academic contact references.
All above files should be submitted in a single PDF with the file name “AMP INT SUM 25_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” through the online Job application portal.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

For additional questions, please contact Dr. Sinlan Poo at spoo@memphiszoo.org. 

How to Apply: 

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Internships page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers. 

Direct link to internship posting: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MEM1007MEMZ/JobBoard/f8664b6f-3c39-4d03-9021-314c367515f5/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=10c868c8-eb59-4b46-863f-981ae467ba44