Conservation & Research, Undergraduate Intern
POSITION TITLE: Conservation and Research, Undergraduate Intern
DEPT: Conservation and Research
REPORTS TO: Research Coordinator
STATUS: Part Time
FLSA: Non Exempt
REVISED DATE: 12/11/20
PRINCIPAL FUNCTION:
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented undergraduate research assistant to join our Conservation and Research team, focusing on plant pathology in the Garden’s Conservation Genetics Laboratory. The successful candidate will work in a team environment to perform DNA isolations, organize fungal tissue samples, and perform PCR for detection of Fusarium torreyae, a fungal pathogen of the endangered conifer Torreya taxifolia. The candidate will be detail oriented, maintain excellent records of experiments performed, and note problems and recommend solutions. The laboratory and data analysis skills learned in this position are useful for students considering a career in plant biology, conservation, horticulture, and agriculture.
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is adhering to strict social distancing protocols. As such, we are limiting the number of people working within indoor spaces at once. The intern will be working independently in the lab. All training and task troubleshooting will take place remotely with the intern’s supervisor.
This is a part time position with a tentative schedule of January – May 2021 (16 weeks), working 10 hours per week.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Organizing and databasing a large number of samples
● Isolating DNA using standard techniques (CTAB method)
● PCR detection of fungi
● Assist researchers in the molecular laboratory
● Research relevant topics on conservation using scientific journal articles
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Experience working in a molecular lab, preference will be given to those with experience
● Enrolled in a university program majoring in Plant Biology, Biology, or similar OR a holds a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology, Biology, or related field and has graduated in the last year.
● Highly organized with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail and adherence to laboratory research
● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
● High-level critical thinking, analytic and proactive problem-solving skills
● Strong ability to document experiments and troubleshoot protocols
● Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
· Required to sit.
· Required to walk.
· Required to use hands to hold, carry, or feel.
· Required to reach with hands and arms.
· Required to talk and hear.
· Occasionally required to bend, lift or climb.
· Occasionally required to lift light weights (up to 10 pounds).
· Finger dexterity required.
· Hand coordination required.
· Specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust or focus.
The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.
It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Please email resume/CV, cover letter, and list of three references to Careers at careers@atlantabg.org, all files should include applicants last name, document title, and title of the position you are applying for (Smith_Resume_Undergradute Intern).