REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY INTERNSHIP

Reproductive monitoring techniques for captive management of endangered Amur and snow leopards
30 hours per week
Salary:  $8.00/hr

Description: 

The goal of the overall project is to use a non-invasive technique to characterize and monitor reproductive steroid hormones in Amur and snow leopards to increase the success of captive breeding programs.  For this project, the Memphis Zoo obtains fecal samples from captive leopards throughout the United States through collaboration with multiple zoos and other AZA-accredited institutions.  As a component of this project, the intern will optimize hormone extraction procedures in fecal samples for use in enzyme immunoassay (EIA).   

Duties:

(1) Perform wet and dry fecal hormone extractions for a comparison study; (2) perform the optimal extraction procedure for use in EIA; (3) perform data entry; and (4) present the results at the Western section of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences Collegiate Annual Meeting

Qualifications:

Undergraduate students majoring in biology or related field with a strong interest in research and endangered species are encouraged to apply (graduate students are also welcome to apply).  Previous experience working in a laboratory and basic knowledge of reproductive biology and statistics are encouraged but not necessary. Excellent verbal and writing skills, basic computer literacy and the ability to operate independently are a must.  Interns must be available to work 30 hrs per week starting the beginning of June through the end of August.  

Application process:

Send cover letter, CV, college transcripts (unofficial and electronic are accepted), and contact information for three references—including affiliation, address, phone number, and email address (please indicate how they know you) to Human Resources Department, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112 c/o Dr. Erin Willis, Amur and Snow Leopard Reproductive Physiology Internship.