Dr. Mike Cranfield Summer Research Extern

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 14, 2026

General Summary:
The Dr. Mike Cranfield Summer Research Extern will be responsible for performing research project(s) that focus on topics relevant to the Zoo’s collection animals and/or conservation initiatives. Based on the clinical research, the Research Extern will develop a formal manuscript for journal publication. Primary authorship with submission of the manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal will be encouraged, but is not guaranteed. In addition, the Veterinary Research Extern may have the opportunity to shadow veterinary staff and assist veterinary staff in hospital operations and animal care, as well as participate in local field work. Additionally, the Veterinary Research Extern will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Eligibility:
Qualified candidates must be officially associated with a university as an undergraduate, graduate, or veterinary student. For example, undergraduates who are currently enrolled in college meet this criterion, as do graduating seniors, who are continuing with their education in the fall semester of the same year. In addition, veterinary students in their first or second year of their programs (prior to their clinical years) are eligible. Students interested in pursuing careers related to biology, animal sciences, or veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply.

Duration of Externship:
Tentative start date of June 15, 2026

Approximately 10 weeks

**start and end dates are flexible, based on the selected candidate’s availability**

Schedule: Approximately 30 - 40 hours per week

Pay: $15/hour

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Perform sample collection;
• Maintain detailed and accurate records;
• Facilitate the research design process;
• Review medical and pathology records;
• Collaborate with the veterinarians and clinical hospital manager to order, prepare, and organize all project materials, as needed;
• Complete a literature review and execute scientific writing related to the research project(s);
• Perform laboratory testing as needed;
• Promote the mission of The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore;
• Perform other duties as assigned; and,
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.
  

Communication (Internal and External):

• Communicate effectively and in writing with the veterinarians, curators, conservation staff, and hospital staff;
• Correspond in a professional and timely manner with individuals from industry organizations;
• Prepare a formal manuscript for journal publication;
• Prepare grant proposals, as needed;
• Present research results to Zoo staff and/or as a formal presentation at scientific meeting(s) as appropriate.
  

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):

• N/A
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Application Requirements:

• Completion of online application
• Required documents must be uploaded to online application
• Letter of intent (including available dates)
• CV
• College transcript
• 2 reference letters

Education:

• Qualified candidates will be officially associated with a university as an undergraduate student, graduate student, or a current veterinary student

Experience/Training:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Scientific Writing
• Literature Review
  

Traits Desirable:

• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Extremely well-organized;
• Strong communication, time management, interpersonal and follow-up skills;
• Ability to visualize, comprehend and analyze data; and,
• Self-directed, collaborative and detail-oriented.
  

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, hand tools, animal restraint
  and capture devices, etc.; and,
• Various medical machines, tools, and equipment.
  

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to exert up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
• Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold
  temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to work while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment;
• Contact with hazardous chemicals, animal related injury and anesthesia equipment; and,
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack.
  

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