Research Internships
Who We Are
The Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences offers research internships and independent study opportunities in three areas (Behavior and Animal Welfare, Endocrinology, and Reproductive Science) to upper-level college students, recent university graduates, and graduate and veterinary students.
Specific projects vary and it is important to note that most have no direct animal contact. Please see the information about each lab below. Due to the nature of our work, shadowing opportunities are not available.
Internships are typically one semester in length (summer, fall, and winter/spring). Internships longer than a semester in length are available by special arrangement, depending on the experience of the applicant and the needs of the department. You may apply to intern in more than one area.
Depending on the term, internship opportunities may be paid and/or unpaid. Paid and unpaid opportunities are lab-specific and vary by term. Students may be able to arrange to receive credit through their college or university (three hours per week in the lab is usually required for each credit hour, although university policies vary). Please note, there are different applications for paid versus unpaid internships; click the link associated with each type of opportunity below to apply.
Labs for Research Internships
Endocrinology interns will learn about the endocrinology of many species and how hormone measures are used to help conserve endangered animals, both in zoos and in the wild.
Students begin learning fecal sample
extraction procedures and, if lab skills are proficient, may advance to
assisting with enzyme and radioimmunoassays.
Interns are required to work two days a week (Monday through Thursday), from 9am through the early afternoon. Previous experience in basic laboratory techniques is required.
Questions? Contact Corinne Kozlowski, Ph.D., Endocrinologist at Kozlowski@stlzoo.org.
The primary role of interns in Behavior and Animal Welfare is to collect behavioral data on a variety of species, either by performing live observations on Zoo grounds or by reviewing video footage. Behavior and Animal Welfare interns work on applied behavioral science research and contribute to studies of animal wellbeing, which includes measures of behavior alongside physiology and endocrinology, affective state, and health. Interns will be trained to use ZooMonitor and Noldus Observer XT for the collection of behavioral data.
In addition to collecting behavior data, interns will contribute to research efforts in Behavior and Animal Welfare through data summary and analysis, data mining, literature searches and reviews, and other tasks as needed. Interns will also participate in journal clubs to further broaden their exposure to how behavior and welfare are studied in zoo settings. Studies of behavior are observational and do not include animal contact. Coursework in animal behavior is recommended but not required. All interns must have excellent attention to detail and Excel skills are strongly recommended. Interns primarily work during regular business hours on weekdays and must be able to commit to at least 20 hours per week during summer or 10 hours per week during other terms. Interns will be co-supervised by the Manager of Behavioral Sciences and the Animal Welfare Scientist.
Questions? Contact Eli Baskir, M.S., Manager of Behavioral Sciences at Baskir@stlzoo.org or Ashley Edes, Ph.D., Animal Welfare Scientist at aedes@stlzoo.org
Work in reproductive science encompasses basic research on comparative reproductive systems as well as reproductive management, to enhance or control reproduction and to provide diagnostic testing and monitoring of reproductive status—for example, pregnancy or onset of puberty. Long-term reproductive management also includes cryopreservation of gametes and gonadal tissue from both males and females to extend the reproductive potential of animals into the future.
Projects focusing on reproductive physiology vary but may include opportunities to assist with gamete collection, analysis and cryopreservation, ultrasound exams or occasionally assisted reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination. Additionally, projects involving data analysis to address questions related to reproductive management, e.g., calculations of minimum effective contraceptive dosages are also available through the AZA Reproductive Management Center, affiliated with the Research Dept.
Internships are not available every semester. Graduate students or veterinary students with an interest in contraception or theriogenology are strongly preferred, especially those with previous experience in a reproductive physiology lab or animal techniques. Undergraduate upper classmen with an interest in data analysis will be considered for AZA Reproductive Management Center projects only, but must have excellent attention to detail and Excel skills.
Questions? Contact Karen Bauman, M.S., Manager, Reproductive Sciences at Kbauman@stlzoo.org.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum age requirement is 18.
- Applicants need not be currently enrolled in college/university, but prior college coursework is required.
- The general expectation is that internships are one semester long (minimum 10 weeks). Minimum hours per internship depend on the semester and the lab. Internships of other durations or time commitments can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the respective lab supervisor.
- Any potential college credit must be discussed with and approved by the lab supervisor prior to the start of the internship. Prior to having this discussion, please be certain to have spoken with your university about what hours/credit are available (differs by university; our rule of thumb is 3hrs/credit) and what specifically will be required from the university to earn credit (e.g., just the experience, a report, etc.).
- Unpaid interns/externs can be employed on a part-time basis by the Zoo during their internship/externship; however, they cannot intern/extern and work in the same area.
- Some individuals completing an internship or externship in Reproductive Sciences will be asked to submit a negative TB test result by the start of their internship/externship.
- All successful candidates will be required to submit to a background check and drug test.
Deadlines
- Winter/Spring Semester: November 1 (These internships begin in January.)
- Summer: March 1 (These internships begin in late May or June.)
- Fall Semester: July 1 (These internships begin in late August or September.)
Paid Internship Opportunities
In addition to all the duties performed by unpaid interns (see lab descriptions above), paid interns are also required to complete a capstone presentation of their experience.
The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to playing a pivotal role in diversifying the future workforce of zoos and conservation organizations. The Saint Louis Zoo paid internship program is designed for emerging zoo professionals. Candidates who have financial need (those who otherwise would not be able to pursue an unpaid internship), reside in the Greater St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, and/or those with diverse cultural experiences are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.
At this time, paid internships will only be available for summer terms. Positions will be listed by January each year for the following summer.
For summer 2025, two full-time paid internships (up to 400 hours each, one per lab/area) are available in:
- Endocrinology
- Behavior and Animal Welfare
The application for paid internships in summer 2025 will be available in January.
Unpaid Internships
For summer 2025, no unpaid internships will be offered. Unpaid internships will be offered in fall 2025 and winter/spring 2026.
Paid Summer Internships for Washington University in St. Louis Undergraduate Students
During summer terms, we are happy to collaborate with Washington University in St. Louis to offer two full-time paid internships through the Living Earth Collaborative (LEC). During non-summer terms, Washington University students are encouraged to apply for unpaid internships if interested.
Deadline: March 1.
See internships/externships for opportunities in other Zoo departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
No housing is provided.
Unpaid interns/externs can be employed on a part-time basis by the Zoo during their internship/externship; however, they cannot intern/extern and work in the same area.
After the application deadline has passed, application materials will be reviewed by the lab supervisor(s) for the preferred labs listed on your application. Lab supervisors will reach out to qualified candidates to schedule a virtual interview or phone call. Processing time can take up to 8 weeks from the application deadline. All applicants will ultimately be notified of a decision.
The Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences offers research internships and independent study opportunities in three areas: Behavior and Animal Welfare, Endocrinology, and Reproductive Science.
Interested in other internship opportunities at the Saint Louis Zoo?
See the internships/externships page for opportunities in other Zoo departments.
Questions?
Contact the supervisor for the lab(s) you are interested in.