INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Kirtlandia Intern - Field & Collections Biofi

CompanyCleveland Museum of Natural History
LocationCleveland
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 18, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will collect, process, and analyze samples from a field site and museum collections to identify microbial communities, focusing on biofilms affecting museum specimens. This data will be used to develop a written report to guide the next phase of research and communicate findings.
Internship Type
intern
Company Size
212
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people. Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. The Museum will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.
About the Role

Field & Collections Biofilm Research Intern 

 

Job Summary: 

 

The Field & Collections Biofilm Research Intern will be collecting and analyzing preliminary data from the Field Taphonomy and Biofilm Management Project. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) houses biology, paleontology and anthropology specimens that have been in our collections for over 100 years. This project examines how biofilms are introduced during decay and excavation, how they continue to grow after collection, and how biofilms affect molecular analyses on Museum specimens. The study incorporates controlled taphonomy experiments at CMNH’s Nash Preserve to evaluate biofilms from the burial and excavation environments and laboratory analyses on specimens from CMNH Collections. 

 

The intern will collect, process, and analyze samples from the Nash field site and our museum collections identifying microbial communities. This data will be used to develop a written report on microbial communities to target the next phase of research and communicate findings.

 

This is an 8-week program at 40 hours per week (320 hours), exact dates will be arranged with your direct supervisor. Interns will present their internship-related activities at the Friends of CMNH annual August luncheon meeting. More information can be found here: Internships | Cleveland Museum of Natural History 

 

Eligibility: 

 

Program applicants must be attending an accredited college or university or must have graduated from college within six months prior to application submittal 

 

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

 

Required to Apply:

 

1. Write a brief 1-2 page statement that:

    • Details your background and research interests
    • Explains why you are a good candidate for this position
    • Describes your previous training and research experience
    • Discusses how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern
  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively, letter writers may email them directly to hr@cmnh.org 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

 

  • Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, culturing bacteria, specimen preparation, labeling, sorting, identification, digitization, imaging, field collection, monitoring, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or manuscript preparation. 
  • Monitor and collect samples of decomposing animals in natural settings  
  • Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage.  
  • Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Collections Policies  
  • Performs other related duties as assigned 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

 

  • Knowledge of basic lab techniques and methods 
  • Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills 
  • Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage 
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Power Point 
  • Strong problem solving and listening skills 
  • Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public 

 

Working Conditions: 

 

Conducting indoor research activities that may occasionally require physical effort. Position may require sitting, walking, standing, and reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Must be able to lift up to 15lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. 

 

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE 

Key Skills
Data CollectionData AnalysisMicrobial Community IdentificationCulturing BacteriaSpecimen PreparationLabelingSortingIdentificationDigitizationImagingField CollectionMonitoringInterpretationManuscript PreparationOrganizational SkillsAttention To Detail
Categories
Science & ResearchEnvironmental & Sustainability