FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Biotoxins, St. Petersburg

The Steidinger Scholars program was established in honor of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a world-renowned pioneering woman in harmful algal bloom research and a formative figure in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Dr. Steidinger’s career includes numerous significant contributions to dinoflagellate research, which have been acknowledged by her peers through the naming of the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, after her.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships during the summer, May-August (occasionally fall or winter term opportunities may be available). Mentored by FWRI scientists, future investigators work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity but include:

• Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs
• Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas
• Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities
• Presenting on the experience

Qualifications:

• All applicants must be a recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student by the time of internship start. (Applicants at the Junior or beyond years of study, see other opportunities)
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Willingness to learn.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good written and oral communication.
• A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card.

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Research, Biotoxins – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: SS-SU25-06

This is a fantastic opportunity for an eager and organized individual who has a burning interest in biology and analytical chemistry and would enjoy the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in a working laboratory.  Participants will gain experience in methods for extraction of marine biotoxins from water and animal tissues as well as the analytical techniques utilized to detect and quantify them. Additional laboratory work will include training in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, chemical safety, preparation of lab reagents, and the use of databases.  Field work may be involved and would consist of working from small boats both inshore and offshore.   Additional duties and opportunities are possible depending on HAB occurrences and the participants interests. 

• Performing extractions for marine biotoxins on seawater and animal tissues.
• Accurately recording extraction data and conducting data entry into databases in a timely manner.
• Assisting with analytical methods utilized in the lab including ELISA, HPLC and LCMS.
• Preparation of laboratory reagents following proper chemical safety procedures.
• Cleaning and maintaining general laboratory spaces, glassware and equipment.
• Assisting with field work as needed.

Successful candidates will:

• Be organized, reliable and pay attention to detail.
• Have the ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instruction.
• Be able to maintain mental focus while performing repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Have no aversion to “blood and guts” or noxious odors.
• Effectively communicate, have the ability to work independently and bring a positive attitude to the lab.

Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates TBD)

Supervisors: Jay Abbott/Sugandha Shankar

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 15-20 hours per week)

See program page for more details: https://myfwc.com/research/about/careers/internships-volunteers/steidinger/