Job Title: Amphibian Research Internship (Paid + Housing Provided)

Job Type: Seasonal Internship

Organization: Memphis Zoo

Location: Memphis, TN, United States

Start Date: June 1st, 2025. Availability to start in mid-May is preferred.

Duration: This internship is full-time for 12 weeks (40 hr/week).

Compensation: 12.10/hr

Additional Support Provided: Free housing 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.

Hiring Manager & Direct Supervisor: This position will report to Dr. Sinlan Poo, Curator of Research.

General Description:

Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an 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, 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.

Specific Project & Internship Description: 

Amphibian Research Interns will work under the supervision of Dr. Sinlan Poo. 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. Please visit www.sheilapoo.com to learn more about the research in the Amphibian Lab. To apply for this position, a valid driver’s license and the ability to bring your own vehicle (to travel to/from field sites) is required.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degrees in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields. Applicants with previous research experience and an interest in pursuing attending graduate school or careers in ecology, herpetology, and conservation are strongly preferred. Requirements for this position include the ability to work within a diverse and inclusive team of researchers, follow instruction, and exhibit excellent oral and written skills. The intern may need to travel with their research mentor to additional work sites outside the zoo and may be working unconventional hours and on weekends.

Ideal Candidate for Position:

Who should apply? Interns with the following will benefit most from this opportunity:

• Previous research experience with amphibians
• Willingness to work long hours in the lab or field, depending on the project
• Ability to engage respectfully with a diverse team of collaborators
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and positive attitude

Additional experience is a plus, including:

• Experience with working on field research projects with amphibians
• Experience with working on field research projects with reptiles  
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing

Women and underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply.