Description:
The Public Lands Initiative (PLI) Genetics Intern will assist with the collection, processing, extraction, and analysis of genetic samples. Student interns selected for this internship will work with faculty mentors on genetics research. Project assignment will be driven in part by student interest. Research opportunities include (1) the identification of pollinator DNA and pollen DNA, (2) the determination of gene sequences for plants and pollinators, (3) genetic determination of animal diets, and (4) molecular sex determination of reptiles. The Public Lands Initiative is a collective of research projects that develop regional expertise related to the natural resources of regional public lands. PLI is housed in the Garth and Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History and links directly to the University of the Parks branding strategy at SUU.
Major professional skills learned: 1. Genetic laboratory techniques such as isolation of DNA from tissue samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), visualization and quantification of DNA and PCR products, interpretation of data, and analysis of genetic data sets. 2. Practical research and scientific process skills such as data management. 3. Skills related to the communication of data. 4. How to work in partnership with federal agencies. 5. Grant and report writing skills.
Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will have a background in biology, and deep interest in genetics, conservation biology, public lands management, natural resources, pollinators, native plants, invertebrate taxonomy, reptiles, or environmental DNA and next generation sequence data analysis. Other responsibilities may include public outreach and/or promoting the research via social media outlets. Ideal candidates will be able to meet weekly during the summer with biology faculty mentors that may include Drs. Jackie Grant, Rachel Bolus, Sam Wells, Julie Grainy, Matt Ogburn, and Karl Jarvis, but should also be able to carry out work independently. Candidates must be responsible, independent, and punctual. Must be comfortable interacting with professionals at the Bureau of Land Management and the Dixie National Forest as well as members of the general public. Biology majors and minors preferred, but other majors will be considered.
Ideal candidates will be interested in the biology of organisms or careers that involve biology. This internship may occasionally require some outdoor work and handling of living specimens such as bees and plants. Reptile work may involve field visits to observe Gila monsters in their habitats, but Gila monsters will be handled by a federal biologist. Applicants are expected to be willing to work as part of a team of several faculty and other students who are working together to provide federal agencies baseline information about the genetics of reptiles, pollinators, and plants in southern Utah.
At least two interns will be hired, and all interns must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits in face-to-face (not online) courses during the summer semester. Biology interns may enroll in the Biology Internship course (BIOL 4890) for credit with a faculty mentor in addition to the 3 or more credits of face-to-face courses. Students that fall below 3 credits during the summer semester or withdraw from their face-to-face course may lose funding for their internship. The internship is available to undergraduate students, but not graduate students.
Special Instruction to Applicants: Please send resume, class schedule if interested in working during the school year, SUU Student Employment Application (https://www.suu.edu/ad/hr/pdf/student-employment-application.pdf), and a copy of the Student Professional Development Survey (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vLCTtDVLuZ0tunxOV2X8pluiYp4IBxK5l3eeo7g6R14/edit?usp=sharing) to Dr. Jacqualine Grant by emailing jacqualinegrant@suu.edu.