Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 14, 2026
General Summary:
The Dr. Mike Cranfield
Summer Research Extern will be responsible for performing research project(s)
that focus on topics relevant to the Zoo’s collection animals and/or
conservation initiatives. Based on the clinical research, the Research Extern
will develop a formal manuscript for journal publication. Primary authorship
with submission of the manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal will be
encouraged, but is not guaranteed. In addition, the Veterinary Research Extern may
have the opportunity to shadow veterinary staff
and assist veterinary staff in hospital operations and animal care, as well as
participate in local field work. Additionally, the Veterinary Research Extern will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Eligibility:
Qualified candidates
must be officially associated with a university as an undergraduate, graduate,
or veterinary student. For example, undergraduates who are currently enrolled
in college meet this criterion, as do graduating seniors, who are continuing with
their education in the fall semester of the same year. In addition, veterinary
students in their first or second year of their programs (prior to their
clinical years) are eligible. Students interested in pursuing careers related
to biology, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply.
Duration of Externship:
Tentative start date of
June 15, 2026
Approximately 10 weeks
**start and end dates
are flexible, based on the selected candidate’s availability**
Schedule: Approximately
30 - 40 hours per week
Pay: $15/hour
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
- Perform sample
collection;
- Maintain detailed and
accurate records;
- Facilitate the research
design process;
- Review medical and
pathology records;
- Collaborate with the veterinarians
and clinical hospital manager to order, prepare, and organize all project
materials, as needed;
- Complete a literature
review and execute scientific writing related to the research project(s);
- Perform laboratory
testing as needed;
- Promote the mission of
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore;
- Perform other duties as
assigned; and,
- Adhere to all policies
and procedures of the Zoo.
Communication (Internal and External):
- Communicate effectively
and in writing with the veterinarians, curators, conservation staff, and hospital
staff;
- Correspond in a
professional and timely manner with individuals from industry organizations;
- Prepare a formal
manuscript for journal publication;
- Prepare grant proposals,
as needed;
- Present research results
to Zoo staff and/or as a formal presentation at scientific meeting(s) as
appropriate.
Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):
Minimum Qualifications:
Application Requirements:
- Completion of online
application
- Required documents must
be uploaded to online application
- Letter of intent
(including available dates)
- CV
- College transcript
- 2 reference letters
Education:
- Qualified candidates
will be officially associated with a university as an undergraduate student,
graduate student, or a current veterinary student
Experience/Training:
- Proficiency
in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Scientific Writing
- Literature Review
Traits Desirable:
- Ability to work with a
wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
- Extremely
well-organized;
- Strong communication,
time management, interpersonal and follow-up skills;
- Ability to visualize,
comprehend and analyze data; and,
- Self-directed, collaborative
and detail-oriented.
Equipment:
- Must be able to operate
a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, hand tools,
animal restraint
and capture devices, etc.; and, - Various medical
machines, tools, and equipment.
Working Conditions:
- Must be able to exert up
to 70 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and/or a negligible
amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or
otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary
work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch,
crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
- Must be able to travel
large areas of the Zoo as needed;
- Must be able to work in
an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including
heat/humidity, cold
temperatures, and/or wet conditions; - Ability to work a
flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
- Must be able to work
while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment;
- Contact with hazardous
chemicals, animal related injury and anesthesia equipment; and,
- Exposure to zoonotic
diseases and risk of animal attack.
Disclaimer:
The statements above are
intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be
construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills
required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the
right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed
when circumstances change.
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