Internship: Freshwater Mussel Conservation

Internship: Freshwater Mussel Conservation
Season: Summer 2025 (Approx June-August)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: March 17 at 4pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview: 
The Conservation Research Department at Shedd Aquarium conducts innovative research to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. The department contributes to Shedd’s mission of sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic world by advancing scientific knowledge and informing conservation strategies. 

As part of the Conservation Research Department, the intern will collaborate closely with the Freshwater Mussel Research team on projects focused on freshwater mussel conservation. Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled animal groups globally due to rapidly changing environment and climatic conditions. Of approximately 300 species in the United States, about 30 species have already become extinct, and two-thirds of the remaining species are at risk of extinction.  

The Freshwater Mussel Research program integrates field and laboratory studies to better understand species ecology, habitat needs, and threats, ultimately informing proactive conservation strategies and management. Current projects include molecular species delimitation of cryptic taxa, population genetics of threatened species, and annual population monitoring of mussels in the Chicago area. 

Findings from these projects will contribute to understanding the current condition of mussel populations, identifying key threats, and guiding effective management strategies to protect freshwater mussels and their habitats. 
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific research process, including study design, data collection, analysis, and the presentation of results, by actively participating in both field and laboratory projects over the course of the internship.
• Gain hands-on experience with molecular genetic methods including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and genomic library construction, with a goal of mastering at least three techniques by the end of the internship.
• Strengthen scientific communication skills through regular updates to the research team and by delivering a presentation on research findings to the Shedd community at the conclusion of the internship.

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Assist with ongoing research projects.
  • Laboratory work: Perform DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, genomic library construction, and assist with high-throughput DNA sequencing.
  • Field work: Conduct freshwater mussel surveys in stream around the Chicago area, collecting data on species distribution and population status.
• Organize, enter, and maintain research data.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation on research findings to Shedd staff at the end of the internship.
• Assist with data entry, office-related duties, and other conservation research projects as assigned.
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Conservation biology, ecology, genetics, wildlife management.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for contributing to conservation research.
• Possesses strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Eager to gain knowledge about freshwater mussels, species conservation, and scientific research techniques.
• Comfortable working in challenging outdoor conditions, which may include exposure to heat, humidity, and long work hours under direct sunlight; wading in rivers and hiking through rough terrain and riverbeds; and potential encounters with mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.

On-boarding
All interns attend one full day orientation. These are held in person on select Mondays from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $17 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 20-28 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: weekdays betwee 9am and 4pm.  Longer hours may be required during field work.
• Set schedule based on intern availability.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.