Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual for a Wildlife Endocrinology Research Internship to support the monitoring zoo wildlife physiology using non-invasive techniques and hormone analysis. The position is available to upper-level undergraduate students and early post-college graduates. This internship offers research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife, and provides valuable training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

Summary:

The Wildlife Endocrinology Internship will support ongoing research projects in conservation physiology, with a focus non-invasive physiological monitoring to assess animal health and reproduction in a conservation setting. Interns will use hormone analysis to help researchers and animal care staff monitor multiple species including Amur Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Caracals, Snow leopards, Sumatran Orangutans, Siamang apes, etc. Interns will learn all aspects of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) workflow and perform laboratory techniques related to hormone quantification including sample collection and organization, fecal hormone extraction, sample dilution, hormone analysis, data entry, organization and analysis, behavioral observations. Interns will assist with sample, data, and record organization and learn the basics of data analysis including graphic and descriptive statical analysis and report writing to communicate results to animal care staff. Depending ongoing lab projects, interns may also assist with DNA extraction from feces, tissues, and swabs as well as assist with animal handling and sample collections for ongoing endangered snake reproductive and disease screening projects.    

Essential Dates:

• This is a 12-week internship (90 day).
• Completed applications are due May 1, 2026.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the posting closes.
• Start date is flexible for the position but preferred start by June 8th.

Project Objectives:

• Training in techniques for noninvasive hormone monitoring, to monitor zoo animal health and reproduction.
• Learn to process and extract serum, urine and fecal samples as well as reagent preparation for hormone measurement using enzyme immunoassays (EIA).
• Investigate the connection between animal environment, behavior, and reproductive status and hormone biomarkers.
• Learn laboratory skills, project, data, and sample management and analysis.
• Develop foundational research skills, including conducting literature reviews, managing and analyzing data, maintaining a laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that come up while conducting research.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Completion of at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework in animal or biological sciences and at least two laboratory-based courses.
• Experience in using basic lab equipment and micropipettes.
• Applicants must be able to perform repetitive tasks in a laboratory setting.
• Able to follow directions, work independently. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degrees in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Previous research experience in biological research in laboratory and/or field setting.
• Interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, veterinary or conservation science.

Competencies:

• Written and oral communication.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Familiar with R or other Statical analysis program.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Conservation Biologist. Intern will also be supported and mentored by Conservation Lab Manager and Research Tech.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This internship position works up to 40 hours a week and often requires flexible hours including day, evening, and weekend hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel, and administration are to be expected.

This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of the internship, the intern will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (lab/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this internship.

This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to/around field sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this internship description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Perks

Memphis Zoo offers perks for interns and team members. For details, please see the section titled “Perks for All Team Members” on our Memphis Zoo Careers page.

Paid Housing

Free housing for interns may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located 1.5 miles from the zoo. The 2 bedrooms/2 baths furnished condominium with washer/dryer/dishwasher houses up to 4 people/bedrooms (bedrooms shared with a same-sex roommates).

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.