Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship
Start Date: September 2024, Flexible start date
Duration: Varies; see project-based positions below
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, some weekend work required
Housing: Interns are responsible for finding and securing their housing
Stipend: $731.60 a week
Application Deadline: Monday, July 15, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Number of positions: 3 full-time positions
- 24 weeks: K-Pg Vertebrate and Plant Fossil Preparation = $17,558.40 Stipend
- 18 weeks: Madagascar Vertebrate Fossil Preparation = $13,168.80
- 15 weeks: General Vertebrate Fossil Preparation = $10,974
Description
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science hosts a rigorous field paleontology program that supports national and international curatorial research. Dinosaurs comprise nearly 80% of the fossils collected and prepared in the Earth Sciences Preparation Labs; however, crocodilians, turtles, mammals, and paleobotanical specimens are also integrated into the workflow. The Department of Earth Sciences (DES) oversees three preparation labs, two behind-the-scenes and one visible to museum guests as part of the Museum’s permanent Prehistoric Journey exhibit. Each lab specializes in specific preparation activities, including mechanical preparation, micro-preparation, molding and casting, air abrasion, archival cradle construction, preparation of exceptionally large vertebrate fossils, and rock billet cutting and embedding. The Fossil Preparation Lab Intern will assist with the preparation, stabilization, surface scanning, and re-housing of vertebrate fossils.
Applicants representing communities typically underrepresented in paleontology are encouraged to apply.
Internship Objectives
The Fossil Prep Lab Intern will learn and participate in the following activities:
- Prepare and stabilize vertebrate fossils using specialized tools, equipment, and chemicals
- 3D surface scan vertebrate fossils, process scans using Artec Studio 17 Professional software, upload finished models to MorphoSource
- Build archival cradles for oversize specimens to be used for long-term storage in the collection
- Assist with the management of supplies and equipment for the Earth Science Department
- Collaborate with other interns, lab volunteers, and Museum staff on special projects
- Support fieldwork logistics; participate in regional fieldwork
- Provide direct assistance to DES collections staff, curators, and preparators when necessary
- Participate in public outreach programs such as Science on the Spot, summer camp experiences, Museum Member Open House, Behind-the-Scenes, etc.
Qualifications
- Must have a passion for the natural sciences and an interest in pursuing a career in museums
- Completed or enrolled at a 2 or 4-year institution in the Earth or Life Sciences is preferred
- Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination
- Positive attitude and flexibility.
- Ability to work collaboratively with Museum staff and volunteers
- Organized; ability to self-start and maintain a balance between several projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Mentors
Natalie Toth
Chief Fossil Preparator
Salvador Bastien
Fossil Preparator
Sadie Sherman
K-Pg Boundary Project Preparator
Evan Tamez-Galvan
Jurassic Giants Preparator
Alex Polich
Teen Rex Fossil Preparator
Schedule
40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, for the duration of the project, some weekends
- 24 weeks: K-Pg Vertebrate and Plant Fossil Preparation
- 18 weeks: Madagascar Vertebrate Fossil Preparation
- 15 weeks: General Vertebrate Fossil Preparation
Stipend
$731.60 per week
- 24 weeks: K-Pg Vertebrate and Plant Fossil Preparation = $17,558.40 Stipend
- 18 weeks: Madagascar Vertebrate Fossil Preparation = $13,168.80
- 15 weeks: General Vertebrate Fossil Preparation = $10,974
Application Deadline
The application will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024
Candidates will be notified about next steps by early mid-summer
Application Instructions
If you have not previously applied to, interned at, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, click on the blue box below titled Internship Application to create an account and complete the steps below.
- Create an account
- Update Your Profile
- Select the Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship
- Review the position description
- Navigate to the Prerequisites section at the bottom of the form
- Within the Prerequisites section, click on Earth Sciences Fossil Preparation Lab Internship
- Upload your cover letter and resume/CV specifically for this internship
- Last Step! Apply for the internship by selecting the position once more using the bottom Apply Now blue button located on the bottom of the form
If you have previously applied, interned, or volunteered at DMNS please get in touch with internships@dmns.org to have your account reset.
If you are a current volunteer and want to apply complete the steps below.
- Log into your account on the Volunteer Portal
- At the top menu, click on Resources
- Select Current Internships
- Follow steps 3 to 8 above
Questions?
For questions about the application, contact Moe.Shuley@dmns.org
For questions about the position, contact Natalie.Toth@dmns.org, Chief Fossil Preparator