Indiana Biological Survey

Student Opportunities

Internship Positions

• Research Assistant - Division of Crayfishes (10 positions)
  • Description of Duties
    • The incumbent shall be responsible for assisting on the crayfishes of Indiana project with emphasis on the burrowing species. The project includes three main components involving the distribution of the crayfishes of Indiana, life history studies, and burrow ecology.
    • The position includes extensive field and laboratory components. Field surveys will be conducted in every county of the state. Laboratory activities include the management, computerization of data, accession of materials, and care of specimens collected during the project, which will be added into the Indiana Biological Survey crustacean collection. The collection represents over 25,000 specimens of North American Decapod crustaceans from 6-7,000 lots of materials primarily from Indiana, the Midwest, and Southeastern United States.
    • The incumbent will be responsible for the logistics, execution, and delivery of the curator's instructions so that the formal policies of the Aquatic Research Center are observed.
    • These responsibilities require careful management of specimens so that the longevity of materials are retained for future research use by the curator, assistant curators, and research associates.
    • The Research Assistant will assist the curator in specimen collection and processing; but be fully responsible for the creation of labels and electronic records; maintenance of work space, jars, and cleanliness of the Crustacean Division; and facilitate the exchange of information, specimens, and information that is needed by the curator and associate curators.
    • The Research Assistant will primarily assist in field collections and provide logistical support to obtain new materials. These surveys will be primarily in Indiana. Recent survey expeditions within the last five years have included Alabama, Tennessee, the Great Lakes, and the Northern Lakes and Forest Ecoregion (northern Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin).
  • Qualifications
    • Preference is given to graduate and upper class undergraduate students; however, sophomores will be considered with a recommendation by a professor.
    • The student should have a major in either Biological Sciences (BIO), Environmental Sciences (SPEA), or Outdoor Recreation (HPER) and an interest in crayfish and freshwater shrimp.
    • Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent must be capable of enduring physical stress in the performance of field duties including heat, fatigue, and physical exertion.
    • Travel will be a requirement (monthly travel will average a minimum of 40 hours per week once per month).
    • In addition, laboratory responsibilities will involve the lifting of jars to heights of 6 feet, maneuvering within the stacks among tight spaces, and requires physical dexterity.
    • Experience with spreadsheets and database programs is necessary (i.e., Excel, Access and Paradox), training will be provided.
  • Wages: Dependent on internship option, partial payment for hours are available. Per diem, lodging, and travel will be fully reimbursed for all internship options.
  • Hours: 20 to 40 hours per week
  • To apply, or for more information, please contact:
    Stephanie Worden, Collection Manager
    (812) 824-8500
    Email
  • Please print and fill out the Student Agreement Form.