An ideal position for a graduate or soon-to-be-graduate interested in plant population biology, evolution, or conservation ecology.
A 12-month paid internship starting in June 2015 is available for an individual with a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, entomology, or a related major and a commitment to conservation. We also encourage statisticians and computer scientists with an interest in ecology and evolution to apply for the position. This internship is a great opportunity for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists to gain field experience and learn about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairies!
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 analyses, and working effectively with diverse people, including scientists, volunteers, students, and interns.
Read more about what it’s like working and living in Minnesota.
Applications will be reviewed starting 6 March 2015. 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” and format your cover letter, resume, and transcript as pdf files. Begin each file name with your surname. Please ask one of your references to send a letter of recommendation to echinaceaProject@gmail.com.
Ilse looking for Echinacea plants at one of our sites
In your cover letter, please include:
- why you are interested
- why you are qualified
- what are your future plans
- when you can start
- contact info of your references
- your email and phone number
Review of applications will begin on 6 March 2015. 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 6th.
Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply.
More information
Read about this project’s background and papers. 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).
