The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Sea Turtle Nesting Program is seeking up to four detailed-oriented interns each term to assist with lab work and data processing components of various research projects related to sea turtle ecology and conservation. Interns may be involved in research related to migratory connectivity and the use of stable isotope analysis to provide a comprehensive geographic assessment of foraging areas used by sea turtles nesting in Florida; sex ratio related to climate change or other projects. The research will support population and nesting trend analyses and conservation status assessments. These positions are in St. Petersburg, on the central-west coast of Florida and they are mainly laboratory-based.

Internships require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Applicants should be available to work 15-20 hours per week.

Successful candidates will be task-oriented individuals who can work independently and in a team in a laboratory setting. The primary responsibilities of the interns will be assisting with laboratory tasks, including:

• Preparation of biological samples (mostly unhatched sea turtle eggs and skin samples and dissection of hatchlings)
• Use of different types of microscopes
• Data entry
• Proof of data accuracy
• Sample organization and cataloguing
• Occasional pick-up of samples from collaborators at various Florida locations
• Potentially assisting with some sea turtle nesting inventory to collect samples that will be processed in the laboratory.

There may be occasional opportunities to assist with additional nesting program activities or research.

Eligibility

• You must be a current undergraduate student (or recent graduate) in the following (or related) scientific disciplines: Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Oceanography/Marine Science.
• You must be willing to work with often smelly and rotten sea turtle eggs.
• You must be willing to work with deceased hatchlings and conduct dissections.
• You must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel at a minimum, Access is a plus).
• Prior laboratory experience is preferred but not required.
• A valid driver’s license is required if you are assisting with sample pick-up from collaborators.

• A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability.
• A résumé (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.
• Current academic transcripts.
• Names and contacts for three references.

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:

Internship Coordinator
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eight Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Website

Sea Turtle Migration Research – Laboratory

Contact