Closing Date for this application is: January 24th, 2025 at 5:00PM

Applications will only be accepted through The American Chestnut Foundation Website

Organization Information

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific research organization. We employ breeding and biotechnological methods to develop a blight-resistant American chestnut tree with the goal of restoring this iconic species to its native range throughout eastern forests.

Position Details

TACF is seeking an intern with an interest in plant biology, plant pathology, molecular genetics, microbiology, or related disciplines for a 10-week internship at Meadowview Research Farms in Meadowview, VA.  Under supervision of the Laboratory Scientist, the Plant-Microbe Research Intern will be responsible for assisting with day-to-day tasks in the lab and developing their own research project of interest.  Lab work includes fungal culture, media preparation, plant care, and molecular genetics techniques such as DNA extractions and PCR.  In addition to lab work, the intern will assist with nursery and field experiments and data collection. 

Interns will receive a stipend based on an hourly rate of $15-18/hr, part- or full-time position (32-40 hrs/wk).

Housing (10 minute drive from internship site) is provided.

Internship will run the week of May 12 through July 21, 2025 (starting and ending dates are flexible).

Qualifications

• A current or recent undergraduate student.
• Maturity, self-motivation, and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Some experience working in a research lab.
• Maintaining a laboratory notebook.
• Microbiology or molecular genetics skills preferred.
• Comfortable working outdoors daily in variable weather conditions.

Name of Position Advisor

Lauren Kerwien, Laboratory Scientist

Position Advisor Location

Meadowview Research Farms, Meadowview, VA

Transportation Requirement

Yes, the Intern is required to have a reliable method of personal transportation.

Physical Demands

Able to lift up to 50lbs.

Comfortable with standing and walking for extended periods of time, sometimes on uneven surfaces.