Internship: Freshwater Mussel Conservation
Season: Summer 2023 (Approx June-Aug)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: Friday March 31 at 5pm CST
 
Internship Overview: 
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled group of animals in the world due to a current rapidly changing environment. A holistic understanding of species, habitats, and threats is required to develop proactive conservation and applied management strategies. This research program aims to use field and laboratory studies to inform the conservation of freshwater mussels in the Great Lakes and rivers across the U.S. These studies fall under Shedd’s Conservation Priority Area to Safeguarding Wildlife. 

As part of the Conservation Research Department, the intern will work closely with the Freshwater Mussel Biologist on the ongoing research projects. The projects include species delineation of cryptic taxa, population genetics of threatened species, and annual monitoring for mussel communities in the Chicago area. Findings of these projects will help us understand the current condition of mussel populations and threats that they are currently facing. These research also will help inform management strategies to best protect freshwater mussels and their habitats. 
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Gain skill in molecular genetic techniques, data collection, and genetic analyses. 
• Demonstrate understanding of how to conduct scientific research including study design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of results. 
• Develop and strengthen presentation and public speaking skills. 
• Gain working knowledge of freshwater mussel genetics, ecology and conservation. 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Assist with laboratory work and field work for freshwater mussels. 
  • Laboratory work will include DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and fragment analysis. 
  • Field work include surveys for freshwater mussels in stream around the Chicago area. 
• Present research findings to the Shedd community at the end of the internship 
• Partner with staff to complete a semi-independent research project based on interest and experience. 
• Data entry and other office work. 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management 
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic to work hard. 
• Good organizational, written, and oral communication skills. 
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team. 
• Willingness/desire to learn about freshwater mussels and conservation research. 
• Able to work in unfavorable outdoor conditions (e.g., mosquitos, rough terrain, heat and humidity, unstable riverbanks, walk in water, etc.). 
• Able to obtain transport to/from Shedd Aquarium. 
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Technology Requirements:  

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $15.40 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).