Description

To support Desert Botanical Garden’s Saguaro Initiatives and other projects of the New World Succulents Research Scientist.

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 to sample cacti and perform DNA sequence data analyses. 

Essential Duties

Assist the New World Succulents Research Scientist and DBG Lab Manager to:

• Create and submit tissue sample requests to the Curator of Living Collections
• Collect tissue samples from saguaros and other plants in DBG’s living collection
• Extract high quality high molecular weight (HMW) DNA from collected tissue samples
• Quantify HMW DNA (concentration and final volumes)
• Quantify cellular DNA content using the flow cytometer technique
• Prepare DNA samples for shipping to sequencing facilities
• Organize the Saguaro Seed Bank fieldwork for the Summer of 2024
• Collaborate in the activities of the Saguaro Seed Bank fieldwork and seed processing
• Perform fieldwork to measure different physiological parameters and obtain tissue samples from saguaro localities within and close to the Phoenix Valley
• Participate in regular meetings with New World Succulents Research Scientist and DBG Lab Manager

Requirements

• BS in Biology or related field
• Laboratory skills
• Ability to learn and modify protocols
• Ability to perform fieldwork
• Experience using Excel and other Microsoft Office programs
• Desire to learn more about molecular techniques and the evolution of cacti.

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Equipment Used

Retch tissue grinder, pipettes, heating element, centrifuge, gel rig, gel imaging system, Qbit fluorometer, Nanodrop, computer, and other lab equipment.

Internal Communication 

Regular communication with supervisor, lab manager, Curator of Living Collections and other workers in the lab space. 

External Communication 

None

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.