Job Listings

Invertebrate Zoology Kirtlandia Intern

Cleveland Museum of Natural History / Posted February 15, 2023

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year.

Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has currently launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.

The CMNH is seeking a dynamic, creative and energetic individual who is passionate about the Museum and its mission; exhibits strong organizational and administrative skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working in an enthusiastic and fast paced environment.

Department: Invertebrate Zoology

Supervisor(s): Nicole Gunter, Ph.D.

Internship Description:

Be involved in ongoing museum research examining the diversity and distribution of native Australian dung beetles (Scarabaeinae). This ten-week long internship will focus on museum specimens to identify, record, and digitize records from historic and recently collected dung beetles from Australia. The intern will learn curatorial techniques, basic dung beetle morphology, and species identification. The intern will also have the opportunity to develop scientific hypotheses as it relates to these data and test questions related to species-limits and ecological niches. The intern should possess good organizational skills and be able to work independently at times with minimal supervision. Previous experience handling insect specimens is desirable. Some previous experience in entomology is preferred, with proficiency in the use of Excel and PowerPoint. Please list all relevant coursework in the application.

Required to Apply:

• Write a letter of interest (1-2 pages) that:
• Explains your choice of preferred research areas 
• Mentions your interests, previous work experience and other pertinent information that might support your application 
• Indicates how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern
• Two letters of recommendation submitted to ngunter@cmnh.org

Application Deadline – March 15, 2023

General Information:

• Duration: 10 weeks for a total of 400 hours, M-F (9:30AM-5:30PM),exact dates to be arranged with direct supervisor. Internship Final Presentations are Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023
• Compensation: $15 per hour, plus up to $200 for expenses for materials required by the project, minus payroll deductions
• Who May Apply: Students who are currently attending an accredited college or university as an undergraduate (college sophomores, juniors, and seniors), or who have graduated from college within the current calendar year

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.) The Kirtlandia Research Intern works to assist the curatorial staff with the day-to-day actives of ongoing or specialized research projects. The Kirtlandia Research Intern will work to advance research through data collection, analysis, interpretation, fieldwork, specimen work, and general laboratory maintenance. The Kirtlandia Research Intern will ensure the safety and security of research-based collection objects and generated data through their own actions and the activities of others by observation of best practices.

• Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, specimen preparation, labeling, sorting, identification, digitization, imaging, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or manuscript preparation.
• Assists in accurate record keeping of research activities.
• Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage.
• Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies.
• Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or museum management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage.
• Computer operating system experience. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Strong problem solving and listening skills.
• Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public.

Equipment:

• Working knowledge of relevant research tools that include, but are not limited to, microscopes, specimen preparation tools, and genetic lab equipment.

Physical Working Conditions:

• Position may require sitting, walking, standing, reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

Physical Effort Required:

• Some physical effort may occasionally be required.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to run or respond to emergency situations.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, SUBSTANCE-FREE and FULLY VACCINATED WORKPLACE.