Background
The Nutrition Laboratory at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park focuses on several areas of basic and applied research: clinical nutrition, milk composition, and nutritional ecology. We are one of the few zoos in the world with a comprehensive on-site nutrition lab. Dr. Michael L. Power conducts and oversees research in all areas; but is especially interested in issues of nutrition related to the costs and consequences of female mammal reproduction.
Description
Nutrition Lab interns typically work both individually and as a team. There are always multiple projects being undertaken, and which ones an intern works on is determined by their supervisors with respect to the intern’s interests and skill set. An intern will always work on more than one project. Projects range from basic science questions to practical application of lab work in assessing foods to be fed the zoo animals. The current projects planned for this summer include:
1) the patterns of expression of growth factors in primate milks (Endocrine signaling via milk in primates)
2) longitudinal changes in milk composition in large mammals and their relation to infant growth
3) the effects of insect diet on the nutrient composition of insects to be fed to zoo animals
4) the nutrient composition of plant foods fed on by wild sifakas in a Madagascar forest reserve
5) evaluation of diets for selected species within the zoo’s collection.
Interns will largely perform laboratory assays on biological samples (e.g. milk, insects, plants). Interns will be responsible for recording all data into a lab book, entering the data into spreadsheets, and preparing summaries of the results. The work week is Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm; however, the occasional weekend project may arise, in which case other days off will be taken in exchange. Interns are encouraged to take advantage of scheduled zoo activities, such as Pathology Rounds and Lectures/Seminars as part of their internship time.
The intern will:
- be an upper level undergraduate or graduate student in a relevant field of study – animal science, anthropology, biology, zoology, food science, nutrition. Sophomore undergraduates may be considered on a case by case basis, based on qualifications.
- be proficient at Microsoft Office package
- have demonstrated written and oral communication skills (based on required cover letter and essay, as well as phone or in-person interview)
- be able to lift at least 50 pounds and work under typical outdoors conditions around Washington DC in the summer (hot and humid)
- be able to pass all of the SI-based background checks needed for volunteer staff
- be able to be present on a regular schedule at the Rock Creek campus, with occasional travel to Front Royal, VA. Transportation to Front Royal can be provided.
Duration and Compensation:
May – August, 2012. This internship is for 12 weeks, 40 hours per week and comes with a stipend of $360/week.
To apply, please direct a cover letter, short (maximum 750 words) essay describing your interests, goals, and qualifications, and resume (including 3 professional references) to: Michael L. Power, PhD, Animal Scientist (powerm@si.edu). By March 30, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment