Overview
The position is a semester-long internship in the Living Systems Department at the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco. The Exploratorium is a unique, creative and dynamic environment, dedicated to helping the public explore and understand the world.
The intern will gain hands-on experience with behind-the-scenes activities in the Living Systems laboratory, which supports a diverse collection of biology-focused exhibits. The intern will work alongside full-time staff technicians to learn husbandry techniques for a wide variety of organisms – including plants, microbes, marine invertebrates, fish, insects, and cultured cells. In addition, the intern will gain experience in maintaining lab instruments, equipment, and a diverse array of our unique exhibits. The intern will learn to operate the laboratory’s
research-grade equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, etc. Additionally, the intern will be asked to participate in weekly lab meetings and work closely with senior lab technicians on longer-term projects. These experiences will provide opportunities to expand communication, networking, and record keeping skills.
The intern will be expected to spend ~70% of their time on essential exhibit and laboratory maintenance. The other 30% of the internship will be spent working towards the completion of a special project. This project may, depending on intern interests, include: public speaking, development of an interactive public demonstration, organism research, analysis of reagents, work with museum visitors, work with teachers, involvement with public programs and special events, and more. The internship position will be eligible for CCSF course credits and, upon successful completion, may include a stipend.
Core Responsibilities
- Preparations of solutions and cell cultures necessary for exhibit set-up
- Care of a variety of organisms, including, but not limited to: bacteria, marine invertebrates, plants, freshwater fish, insect colonies, mice, stem cells
- Set-up of Living Systems exhibits
- Troubleshooting & maintenance of Living Systems exhibits and equipment
- Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the lab and exhibit floor
- Live microscope demonstrations for the public (depending on skills and interest)
- Integrate as a team member of the Living Systems department
- Completion of a special project demonstrating research, public speaking, and/or writing skills
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous animal care experience (desired, but not required)
- Demonstrated ability to stay on task and work both independently and cooperatively
- Ability to follow complicated instructions or recipes
- Previous or concurrent course-work in biology or zoology is strongly preferred
- Comfort working with living and deceased organisms
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Experience with MS Word and Excel and willingness/ability to learn new computer programs as needed
Ability to commit to at least 15 hours a week is required. Punctual and reliable attendance is required to receive credit and the stipend.
Exploratorium
Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please
The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce.
