What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Science Intern in Tropical Plant Diversity Research and Conservation position at New York Botanical Garden?
Title:
Summer Science Intern
Reports To:
Curator in Center for Biodiversity and Evolution
Position Summary
The Summer Science Intern, working in Tropical Plant Diversity Research and Conservation, will work with a Scientist in the Center for Biodiversity and Evolution, will assist a grant-funded project focused on documenting and clarifying tropical plant diversity by performing tasks in the office, herbarium, laboratory, and library. The intern will work with plant collections gathered by the project in Colombia. This position is intended for a student interested in gaining hands-on experience and instruction in herbarium- and laboratory based biodiversity research
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
This opportunity is available to current (or graduating Spring 2026) college undergraduate students, with a preference for students majoring in biology, environmental studies, or a related field. The following skills are essential:
Summer Science Intern
Reports To:
Curator in Center for Biodiversity and Evolution
Position Summary
The Summer Science Intern, working in Tropical Plant Diversity Research and Conservation, will work with a Scientist in the Center for Biodiversity and Evolution, will assist a grant-funded project focused on documenting and clarifying tropical plant diversity by performing tasks in the office, herbarium, laboratory, and library. The intern will work with plant collections gathered by the project in Colombia. This position is intended for a student interested in gaining hands-on experience and instruction in herbarium- and laboratory based biodiversity research
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Herbarium specimen processing and data entry
- Data collection from the library and biodiversity data portals
- DNA extraction and quantification from plant collections
- Development of content for outreach and conservation products
- Possibility to pursue independent research
This opportunity is available to current (or graduating Spring 2026) college undergraduate students, with a preference for students majoring in biology, environmental studies, or a related field. The following skills are essential:
- Good organizational skills
- Familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet software
- Ability to work independently with periodic supervision
- Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly using shared lab space and resources
- Previous experience doing molecular lab work
- Writing and/or graphics skills
- Demonstrated interest in biodiversity studies
- Spanish language skills
- All work will be done onsite at the New York Botanical Garden. The intern will work in office, herbarium, library and laboratory settings.
- Tasks will require walking within and between buildings and working indoors in both standing and sitting positions. The employee will require use of hands for typing, to operate pipettes and other laboratory equipment, and to reach specimens and/or literature in herbarium and/or library shelving.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- The intern will have opportunities to interact with NYBG research and collections staff, interns, graduate students, and visiting researchers, and to attend Science and Humanities Seminars and Science intern enrichment activities.
- This is a temporary role for 8 weeks, with an expected start date of June 2, 2026, and end date of July 23, 2026. Start and end dates are flexible.
- Tuesday through Thursday from 9AM to 5PM, with a one hour unpaid lunch (21 hours/week).
- $20 Per Hour
Salary : $20