• Job Description

  Req#: 2494826

  Description

  To assist Garden Researchers with fieldwork and molecular DNA lab projects.

  This intern position will build competency in the molecular lab, use of molecular lab techniques, data organization, data processing by alignment, and field work skills required for botanically related studies.

  
  

  Essential Duties

  Assist the Herbarium Curator/Research Botanist and Conservation Biologist to:

  • Conduct fieldwork for plant taxonomy and conservation

  • Create and submit tissue sample requests to the Curator of Living Collections

  • Collect tissue samples from plants in DBG’s living collection

  • Extract and quantify high quality high molecular weight DNA from plant samples

  • Quantify cellular DNA content using flow cytometry

  • Enter field and lab data into notebooks and spreadsheets

  • Prepare DNA samples for shipping to sequencing facilities

  • Analyze raw genetic/genomic data using various software programs

  • Participate in regular meetings with Research Scientists

  
  

  Pay: $21.00 per hour

  Requirements

  • BS in Biology or related field

  • Molecular Biology Laboratory skills

  • Ability to learn and modify protocols

  • Ability to perform fieldwork in a variety of terrains and conditions

  • Experience using Excel and other Microsoft Office programs

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Desire to learn more about botanical research and conservation

  
  

  Equipment Used

  Typical office equipment, molecular lab equipment; this role will also use lab and field equipment specific to the needs of research areas of inquiry, including plant collecting and horticultural tools.

  
  

  Internal Communication

  Regular communication with supervisor, lab manager and other Garden employees and volunteers.

  
  

  External Communication

  Limited

  
  

  Working Conditions

  Physical demands include both those associated with a normal office environment, lab environment, and outdoor work, which could be in the Garden, or in the field (local, regional). Field work may include camping, hiking, and backpacking.

  Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see, hear, speak, read, and type. Manual dexterity and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds required. Much of this role will be outdoors and subject to extreme weather.

  Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.

  
  

  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

  The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.

  All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.

  
  

  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.

• About the company

  Desert Botanical Garden is a 140-acre botanical garden located in Papago Park, at 1201 N.

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