Research Intern 2013

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An ideal position for a graduate or soon-to-be-graduate interested in plant genetics or conservation ecology.

A 12-month paid internship starting in June 2013 is available for an individual with a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, entomology, or a related major and a commitment to conservation. If you have a background in biology and want to gain experience in botany, ecology, evolutionary biology, or conservation biology, we encourage you to apply.

Job description

As a research intern, you will contribute to ongoing research on the conservation genetics, reproductive biology, and demography of the prairie plant Echinacea angustifolia. Summer fieldwork occurs in western Minnesota and greenhouse and lab activities are at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The intern has the opportunity to conduct an independent research project. Potential project topics include: flowering phenology, mating compatibility, plant-aphid-ant interactions, plant quantitative genetics, and plant-pollinator interactions.

As an intern, you will participate in a variety of research and conservation-related activities, attend seminars, and interact closely with conservation scientists, graduate students, interns, researchers, and volunteers associated with Plant Conservation Science at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the graduate program in Plant Biology and Conservation at Northwestern.

Desired skills and experience include: performing outdoor physical work in adverse conditions, collecting and managing datasets, completing tasks independently and on time, conducting experiments, using maps, communicating clearly in writing, paying attention to detail, conducting statistical analysis, and working effectively with diverse people, including scientists, volunteers, students, and interns.

Read more about summer field research activities and living in Minnesota.

Applications will be reviewed starting 20 March 2013. The salary starts at $11/h. Housing in Minnesota during the summer is included.

How to apply

In one email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com, send a cover letter, your resume, and a transcript (unofficial OK). Use the subject line: “12-month research intern application.” Also, ask one of your references to send a letter of recommendation to echinaceaProject@gmail.com.

In your cover letter, please include:

  • why you’re interested
  • why you’re qualified
  • what your future plans are
  • when you can start
  • contact info of your references (one should send a letter)
  • your email and phone number

Review of applications will begin on 20 March 2013. We’ll accept applications until the position is filled. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached after March 20th.

Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply.

More information

Go to the Echinacea Project’s homepage to read more about this NSF-funded project. You can also read about this project’s background and papers. Read more about summer field research activities and living in Minnesota. Read more about plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you have any more questions, contact Stuart via e-mail or phone (847-835-6978).