Internship - Molecular and Microbial Ecology - Summer 2025

Internship: Molecular and Microbial Ecology
Season: Summer 2025 (Approx June-August)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: March 17 at 4pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

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.

Department Overview: 
This internship will support Shedd’s Molecular Ecology Lab and the Microbial Ecology Research Program in the Conservation Research Department, focusing on animal and environmental microbial communities. The program studies the role of microorganisms in animal and environmental health and microbially-driven conservation actions that can boost ecosystem resilience. This is a molecular laboratory-based internship involving tissue samples from animals such as coral and penguins, or environmental samples from aquarium exhibits. In this molecular-focused internship, the intern will work with sensitive samples and learn protocols and laboratory techniques for DNA extraction and library preparation. The intern will gain experience working alongside experts in coral biology and molecular ecology.  
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Gain skills in molecular genetic techniques with a focus on DNA methodology such as extraction and sequencing 
• Learn Next Generation Sequencing library preparation techniques in the Molecular Ecology laboratory 
• Demonstrate skills in understanding the scientific method, public speaking, and communicating methods and results 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Assist with collecting and processing exhibit water samples as needed
• Learn general molecular biology techniques for working with sensitive samples including but not limited to the following: 
  • Extract DNA from coral tissue, penguin excrement, and environmental (water) samples following multiple established protocols  
  • Perform PCR, qPCR and gel electrophoresis 
  • Prepare DNA libraries following Next Generation Sequencing protocols  
• As directed by staff, perform basic data analysis using R to understand trends in the data (taxonomy, community structure) 
• Present research methods and findings to the Shedd community (Lunch & Learn) at the end of the internship 
• Assist with data entry and record keeping 
• Assist with general laboratory upkeep and decontamination 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: 

• Marine Biology 
• Molecular Biology 
• Conservation Research 

Skills/Characteristics: 

• Highly organized, with a strict attention to detail 
• Able to focus for long periods of time during repetitive laboratory tasks 
• Highly responsible and reliable 
• Comfortable standing for long periods of time, with breaks 
• Possesses a natural curiosity; asks questions and seeks answers 
• Some molecular laboratory experience from a lab class, internship, or work in a laboratory environment is highly desirable. 
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

On-boarding
All interns attend one full day orientation. These are held in person on select Mondays from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $17 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 30 hours per week for 12 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: Flexible within a Monday-Friday scheduled, between 9am and 5pm.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
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.