Field & Collections Biofilm Research Intern
Field & Collections Biofilm Research Intern
Job Summary:
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.
As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home.
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:
- 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, especially in biological anthropology and archaeology
- Discusses how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively, letter writers may email them directly to hr@cmnh.org
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
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