Plant Science Internship Program

January-February 2008

Advanced work experience and training in botanical science.

>> What did our 2007 Interns think of the program? Click here to find out.

Call for applications for 2008 program

This program offers undergraduates and recent graduates in the plant sciences advanced working experience in a leading scientific institution. The work program is supported by task-specific training and a professional-level introduction to key areas in Australian plant science and conservation. Specific training is given in skills for job-seeking and higher study.

Applications close 5 pm Friday 16 November 2007

When does it run?

• The program runs for seven weeks from Monday 7 January  to Friday 22 February 2008. Participation for the full length of the program is necessary.

Who is it for?

• The program is designed for students at the end of second or third year, and recent graduates, in botany, ecology, forestry, general biology (with plant interests), scientific horticulture, and related subjects. The program will benefit those seeking professional or technical careers in plant sciences or conservation management.

How does it work?

• Interns work full-time on a voluntary, unpaid basis, assisting scientific staff on work of real scientific value. In return, Interns receive extensive practical training in botany, plant conservation, collections management, and job-seeking in the scientific workforce.
• Seminar and training sessions are led by professional scientists and technicians from the Botanic Gardens Trust and other institutions, and cover theoretical and practical topics. Training complements and extends that given at university. 

Location

• Interns work mainly in central Sydney at the National Herbarium of NSW, part of the Botanic Gardens Trust, with one four-day field trip.

Program outline

• Work sessions
• • Interns work in teams under staff supervision on routine and advanced tasks of specimen preparation, collections management, plant identification, and science information systems. Much of the work is with the Herbarium specimens that form the main information base for the State's flora. The skills learnt will be relevant to any collections-based area of science.
  • We attempt to accommodate interns’ interests, but allocation to work teams and tasks is at our discretion. The scientific context of all work is made clear – even with routine work, you will be making a real contribution to the running of the Herbarium and its programs, and the skills you acquire will be applicable in many other jobs, especially in science and conservation.
    
    
• Training About 45% of time is spent in training sessions. Again, these will be relevant to a wide range of science jobs.  You will become familiar with:
• • key sources of information on the Australian flora
  • plant identification resources and techniques
  • key sources of information in conservation science and policy
  • principles and practice of the curation of scientific collections
    
    
• Seminar sessions will focus on theoretical and practical issues in botany and conservation, including current major research programs. 
  
  
• Field training will include specimen selection and collection, field data recording, and permit and access protocols.
  
  
• Science communication skills training will include advice on preparation of conference posters, delivery of seminars, writing skills, and guidance on the publication process.
  
  
• Workforce training includes the development of CVs and job applications, interview techniques, and guidance on job-seeking and higher study in plant science and conservation.

Outcomes of the program

You will receive:

• Seven weeks intensive experience in a leading scientific institution.
• Specialised training and networking, that will help you in further studies and getting that first job in your field.
• We help you to develop your CV to the best level possible. Statements of accomplishment are given at the end of the program, and future work references are available.

Course credits

• Students at some campuses may be entitled to use the Internship for course credits.
• Successful applicants must make all necessary arrangements with their university. We will provide supporting documentation only.
• Scope for projects that may be required under course credit arrangements will exist, although these must be negotiated with us and are essentially on your own time, not that of the program.

How to apply

• Selection will be by written application.
• Applications, by post or email, should be directed to:

General enquiries should be directed to
Bob Makinson or Louisa Murray
Ph: (02) 9231 8111
or
email: bob.makinson@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Applications close 5 pm Friday 16 November 2007

Send applications to
Plant Science Internship Program
POST: c/o Bob Makinson
National Herbarium of NSW
Mrs Macquaries Rd
Sydney NSW 2000
or
email: bob.makinson@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Your application should include

• A transcript of academic record
• A CV and a detailed expression of your interest in the program
• Names and contact details for two referees (at least one academic)
• Your phone and email contact details (including for period after exams)

Conditions of internship

• Selection criteria include enthusiasm, ability to benefit from the program, team-work aptitude, and academic achievement.
• Placements are unpaid, and financial and accommodation support are not available. We can provide some information on university college accommodation.
• The program runs five days/week, mainly in office hours, with longer days on field trips. Optional weekend and public holiday fieldwork activity may be included.
• Insurance coverage is mandatory. Applicants should use campus or workplace coverage if available (copies must be seen by us prior to start). Those unable to use such schemes can be registered under Botanic Gardens Trust arrangements, providing free insurance cover during working hours. Overseas applicants must have full comprehensive personal cover.
• The Botanic Gardens Trust reserves the right to terminate internships without notice or liability.

What did our 2007 Interns think of the Program?

• I’ve learnt how the herbarium works and the research that goes on there, learnt about a wide range of topics from genetics to landscape conservation and improved my plant ID and collection skills. This has really stimulated my interest in botany and I am leaving the internship feeling truly motivated and inspired. Thankyou!!
• The Internship Program was invaluable in helping me clarify my career goals in plant science and in biodiversity and conservation, and in teaching me how to achieve them. The experts on-hand were approachable and always willing to provide support and advice. There was an ideal balance between the practical and the theoretical, and a real sense that just as we were benefiting from what we were learning, the Herbarium was benefiting from our work. I cannot recommend the Program more highly. It was one of the highlights of my professional life.
• The program has given me a great boost in confidence.  I have new skills & knowledge that has already benefited me in my return to studies & I can trust in the future of my work in this field. 
• I found the 2007 Plant Science Internship to be an invaluable experience. The information presented was first class and backed up by practical experience. Also the contacts and friends I’ve made will stay with me forever.
• The program overall gave me a different perspective of my previous studies/work experience and helped to build my confidence. The practical experiences have improved my chances of getting employed in this field. All the seminars have updated my awareness of current research and conservation issues, and taxonomic issues. It has broadened my mind!
• The program provided me an opportunity to work and learn from many of the leaders in the fields of botany, ecology and systematics. I came out of my summer break with a wealth of knowledge having made good friends and contacts for future work in the area.
• The program was such a valuable professional and personal experience. I came out of it feeling so much more passionate, informed and motivated about Botany and Plant Conservation. It was refreshing to work with such inspiring and interested people.

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