FWRI Steidinger Scholar Intern, Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Molecular, 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, Molecular – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU25-03

This opportunity involves laboratory work for research and monitoring focused on harmful algal blooms. Participants will gain experience in methods for molecular identification and culturing of harmful algal bloom species. Molecular work will involve learning methods including sterile techniques for DNA extraction or preparing PCR assays on field or cultured samples. Culture work will involve working with phytoplankton in the lab and tracking their growth. Participants may be involved in other aspects of sample processing including collection from the field, data entry, data processing, and/or data proofing.

Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Following standard protocols to conduct experiments and assays
• Maintenance of laboratory stock culture and experimental cultures
• Measurement of fluorescence for growth
• Performing sterile techniques for culture and molecular assays
• Processing samples for DNA fingerprinting analyses
• Writing detailed descriptions of experiments and assays in lab notebook
• Entering data into spreadsheets and databases
• Preparing stock solutions and standards
• Cleaning and maintaining general laboratory spaces

Successful candidates will:

• Display attention to detail and organization
• Communicate regularly with their supervisors

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

Supervisors: Julie Koester and TBD

Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20-40 hours per week)

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