Title

Reports to

Summer Intern in Tropical Plant Diversity

Research and Conservation (Part-Time)

Curator in Center for Biodiversity and

Evolution

Position Summary:

The Intern, working with a Scientist in the Center for Biodiversity and

Evolution, will assist a grant-funded project focused on documenting and

clarifying tropical plant diversity by performing tasks in the herbarium,

laboratory, and library. The intern will work with plant collections gathered by

the project in Colombia. This position is intended for a student interested in

gaining hands-on experience and instruction in herbarium- and laboratory based

biodiversity research.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Herbarium specimen processing and data entry
• Data collection from the library and biodiversity data portals
• DNA extraction and quantification from plant collections
• Development of content for outreach and conservation products
• Possibility to pursue independent research

Qualifications:

This opportunity is available to current (or graduating Spring 2025) college

undergraduate students, with a preference for students majoring in biology,

environmental studies, or a related field. The following skills are essential:

• Good organizational skills
• Familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet software
• Ability to work independently with periodic supervision
• Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly using shared lab space and resources

Desirable skills:

• Previous experience doing molecular lab work
• Writing and/or graphics skills
• Demonstrated interest in biodiversity studies
• Spanish language skills

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

All work will be done onsite at the New York Botanical Garden. The intern will

work in office, herbarium, library and laboratory settings. Tasks will require

walking within and between buildings and working indoors in both standing

and sitting positions. The employee will require use of hands for typing, to

operate pipettes and other laboratory equipment, and to reach specimens and/or

literature in herbarium and/or library shelving. Reasonable accommodations

may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions of this position.

The intern will have opportunities to interact with NYBG research and

collections staff, interns, graduate students, and visiting researchers, and to

attend Science and Humanities Seminars and Science intern enrichment activities.

Baseline Work Schedule:

Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm, with a one hour unpaid lunch (35

hours/week). All work will be on-site at the New York Botanical Garden. This is a temporary 8-week seasonal opportunity with an expected start date of June 17, 2025 and end date of August 7, 2025. Start and end dates are flexible.

Payrate is $20/hour.