NYU Molecular Anthropology Laboratory Internship
We are not accepting applications to the internship at this time.
The Molecular Anthropology Lab conducts research into the evolution and conservation of primates. We use a wide array of genetic markers to address topics ranging from primate phylogenetics to inferring paternity in wild primate populations. Recent work includes using X and Y chromosomal genes to help identify a species of African monkey new to science (Hart et al. 2012), and developing a new 2nd generation DNA sequencing technique for population genomics (Bergey et al. 2013).
Previous interns have worked on a wide variety of projects: over the past three years, interns have sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes to study squirrel monkey evolution (Chiou et al. 2011); identified the insects that woolly monkeys eat by looking at the kinds of insect DNA present in monkey feces (Pickett et al. 2012); and genotyped hybrid baboons in Zambia in order to infer patterns of gene flow between species (Bergey et al. 2009). Current interns are involved in research on baboon population genetics, lemur and langur conservation genetics, and other projects.
Interns have had their research published in peer-reviewed journals (American Journal of Primatology, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution) and presented research at conferences of professional societies such as the American Association of Physical Anthropologists.
Current projects at the Molecular Anthropology Lab include:
Students will learn a variety of molecular genetic and bioinformatic techniques. Wet lab techniques range from basic things such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, to more advanced Sanger sequencing and DNA library preparation for 2nd generation sequencing. Students also will learn aspects of data analysis, starting with data prep – cleaning up sequence data, assembling contigs, and aligning multiple sequences – before moving on to actual analysis of the aligned sequences.
Previous interns have worked on a wide variety of projects: over the past three years, interns have sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes to study squirrel monkey evolution (Chiou et al. 2011); identified the insects that woolly monkeys eat by looking at the kinds of insect DNA present in monkey feces (Pickett et al. 2012); and genotyped hybrid baboons in Zambia in order to infer patterns of gene flow between species (Bergey et al. 2009). Current interns are involved in research on baboon population genetics, lemur and langur conservation genetics, and other projects.
Interns have had their research published in peer-reviewed journals (American Journal of Primatology, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution) and presented research at conferences of professional societies such as the American Association of Physical Anthropologists.
Current projects at the Molecular Anthropology Lab include:
- Population genomics of baboons
- Exploration of the movement of immune-related genes between species in a wild primate hybrid zone
- Studying the dispersal behavior and conservation genetics of ring-tailed lemurs
- Development of new techniques for population genetics using non-invasive samples
Students will learn a variety of molecular genetic and bioinformatic techniques. Wet lab techniques range from basic things such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, to more advanced Sanger sequencing and DNA library preparation for 2nd generation sequencing. Students also will learn aspects of data analysis, starting with data prep – cleaning up sequence data, assembling contigs, and aligning multiple sequences – before moving on to actual analysis of the aligned sequences.
Expectations
The best intern experiences result from a significant commitment of time and energy. We encourage students to begin internships early in their undergraduate career – ideally by the summer between their sophomore and junior years. This will allow time to learn laboratory skills and then use those skills to design and execute a real research project. New applicants who are seniors are not admitted into the program.
We expect students to be able to commit at least 8 hours a week to their internship, as well as possibly several weeks over the summer and/or winter breaks. We also expect NYU students to apply for the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund (DURF). Currently, the internship is only available to students from NYU. Internships generally begin at the beginning of semesters or the summer, though applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
We expect students to be able to commit at least 8 hours a week to their internship, as well as possibly several weeks over the summer and/or winter breaks. We also expect NYU students to apply for the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund (DURF). Currently, the internship is only available to students from NYU. Internships generally begin at the beginning of semesters or the summer, though applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
The application form is available online here. We ask for a resume and a brief statement about why you would like to be an intern in the Molecular Anthropology Lab, what sorts of projects you are interested in, and what lab skills you have (if any).
