Women In Science -Zoology Insect Undergraduate Internship

Women in Science - Zoology, Insects (Undergraduate intern)

In this project, we will study the historical distributions of one of the most specialized groups of beetles associated with ants. Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are among the most diverse animal families on Earth, with over 66,000 described species showing a wide range of ecological adaptations. Here, we will focus on the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of minute, ant-associated beetles known for their myrmecophilous lifestyles. Despite their diversity, North American Pselaphinae remain poorly studied, largely due to their small size and taxonomic complexity. The Field Museum houses one of the largest collections of this group, including approximately 60,000 North American specimens, most of which have not yet been fully transcribed or digitized.

The undergraduate intern will help address this gap by transcribing historical specimen labels and standardizing locality data. They will learn how to safely handle fragile museum specimens, interpret historical and handwritten labels, and curate distributional information. Participants will explore key collections-based questions: What kinds of ecological and biogeographic information can be extracted from museum data? Are there temporal or geographic patterns in the collecting of ant-associated beetles? What limitations or biases should be considered when applying these data to ecological studies?

The project will provide a dynamic and enriching experience, introducing interns to museum curatorial practices, collections-based research, and biogeography. The data generated will be integrated into the Field Museum’s insect collection database (EMu), contributing to ongoing digitization efforts.

Interns will receive:
· Hands-on training in specimen handling, curation, and databasing within pinned insect collections.
· Mentorship in collections-based research, with exposure to museum operations and biogeography science.

If selected, interns will be expected to attend an on-site HR orientation on June 22nd, 2026. Work on the internship will continue through July 31, 2026. The salary is $17.75/hour for 35 hours a week. Work will be performed on site at the Field Museum.

Please submit application materials on the Field Museum Careers website at:

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/landing/careers

Candidates must apply through the Field Museums Careers website. Applications through other websites- including Handshake- will not be accepted.

Applications must be received by March 6, 2026. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by March 10, 2026.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.