INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Kirtlandia Intern - Biological Anthropology A

CompanyCleveland Museum of Natural History
LocationCleveland
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 18, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will integrate existing paper and digital records with external research to explore demographic patterns of non-human primates in the Hamann-Todd collection and identify collection trends. Essential duties include digitization, data management, inventorying, archival data collection, analysis, interpretation, literature reviews, and report writing.
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

Biological Anthropology Archival Intern 

 

Job Summary: 

 

The Hamann-Todd Non-Human Primate Osteological Collection contains around 1,000 non-human primate skeletons purchased by Carl A. Hamann and T. Wingate Todd from private collections and the taxidermy firm Gerrard & Sons of London. This collection mostly includes the great apes—chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. The collection also contains associated historical archives that detail the origin and acquisition of the primate skeletons. 

 

The Kirtlandia intern will integrate existing paper and digital records with their own external research to better understand the Hamann-Todd non-human primates. Drawing on new and existing datasets, the intern will develop an archives-based research project that explores the demographic patterns of the primates in the collection and identifies trends in the locations, time periods, and individuals involved in collecting these specimens. Under the guidance of the supervisor, they will analyze data and present their findings. Upon the project's completion, the intern will have gained experience in archival research methods, project management, and science communication.  

 

This is an 8-week program at 40 hours per week (320 hours), with the hope to start mid May, but exact dates can 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 

  

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
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively, letter writers may email them directly to hr@cmnh.org 

  

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

  

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

 

  • Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, digitization, data management, inventorying, archival and genealogical data collection, data analysis and interpretation, literature reviews, and report writing 
  • Assists in accurate record keeping of research activities 
  • Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage 
  • Assists in ordering supplies and equipment in support of research project 
  • Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies 
  • Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or museum management 

  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

 

  • Working knowledge of relevant research tools, including digitization equipment and software and genealogical and research databases 
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail  
  • Interest in historical, archival, and/or genealogical research, previous research and project management experience preferred 
  • Display good judgement and discretion when working with sensitive materials 
  • Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage 
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications 
  • Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally 
  • 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 respond to emergency situations. 

 

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

 

Key Skills
Archival ResearchData ManagementDigitizationData AnalysisInterpretationLiterature ReviewsReport WritingRecord KeepingObject HandlingProject ManagementScience CommunicationOrganizational SkillsProblem-SolvingAttention To DetailMicrosoft OfficeGoogle Suite
Categories
Science & ResearchAdministrativeData & Analytics