Conservation Science Summer Fellow - Conservation Genetics, Cell Culture - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors - the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park - giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Conservation Science Summer Fellowship is a 12-week program in which undergraduate students work directly with a mentor from the Conservation Science team on a specific laboratory, field, and/or community-based project. During that time, the Fellow gains hands-on experience while completing their project under the supervision of a mentor and then presents their research findings to SDZWA staff, donors, and collaborators at the end of their 12-week Fellowship.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.
• Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current project.
• Prepares reports and presentations to communicate research findings.
• Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
• Prepare, arrange, and maintain data.
• Manages project timelines and ensures research objectives are met.
• Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation initiatives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Conservation Genetics, Cell Culture Team uses innovative genetic and cellular approaches to assess, monitor, and manage endangered species, contribute to their sustainability, and prevent species extinction. They conduct collaborative research using cellular biology and genome-wide sequencing to develop tools for species of conservation concern. They use cells as models to advance conservation efforts, propagate and reprogram tissue culture cells to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, and direct their development for genetic rescue efforts for critically endangered species. The team is seeking two fellows, one for each of the following projects. This fellow will be working on Safeguarding Hawai i's Forest Birds from Extinction by optimizing biobanking protocols for ESA-listed Hawaiian Bird Species. This project aims to enhance species-specific cell culture by evaluating tissue types (skin, lung, muscle) and media formulations to improve fibroblast establishment and growth rates. Because protocols are highly species-specific, optimizing these methods is critical for successfully biobanking endangered species. Furthermore, we will validate cell viability by analyzing proliferation, morphology, metabolism, and senescence markers in established primary cells. These comprehensive assessments will ensure the banked material is viable for future biotechnological applications. Fellowships are based at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, unless otherwise stated. Applications for the 2026 Conservation Science Summer Fellowships can be submitted until February 15, 2026. Applicants should specify which CS team's Fellowship they are applying to. Applicants can only apply for one Fellowship to one CS team, not multiple teams. If applicants apply to multiple CS teams, the first application submitted will be the only one considered. Summer 2026 Conservation Science Summer Fellowship: * Monday, May 18, to Friday, August 7 * Monday, June 22, to Friday, September 11 Fellowship is 40 hours per week for 12 weeks. Applicant must submit Resume and Cover Letter.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Current undergraduate students must be officially associated with a college or university to be eligible for the Fellowship program. Undergraduates who are currently enrolled in college meet this criterion, as do graduating seniors who are continuing their education in the fall following graduation. Recent graduates who are not continuing their education in the fall of the same year are not eligible to apply.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Previous experience in conservation research or community engagement is preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Strong analytical skills to conduct research and analyze data.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment and with diverse populations
• Able to learn and perform data and sample gathering techniques
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Familiarity with conservation issues and strategies.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Week Fellowship
• Stipend Pay: $8,520

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.