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2017 Research Internships
U.S. National Arboretum


Description: The mission of the U.S. National Arboretum is to enhance the economic, environmental, and aesthetic value of ornamental plants through research, conservation, and display. Pending available funding, the Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit may have several research internships available in 2017 in areas such as molecular biology, plant pathology, plant breeding, horticulture, and production. Interns will be located in Beltsville, MD or at the Arboretum in northeast Washington, DC. Interns are assigned to a particular area within the arboretum. All participate in regularly scheduled educational programs and field trips, work on independent projects that benefit the arboretum, and are supervised and mentored by the arboretum's professional staff. All internships are paid positions by either an hourly wage or stipend, depending upon the position.

We can also offer internships and mentoring as described above for qualified students who are able to provide their own funding. For all research internships, college credit may be arranged by the student and is encouraged.


Qualifications: Applicants need to have either completed at least 24 hours of relevant course work or have acquired one year of practical experience in a plant production or laboratory setting. Experience in horticulture, plant science, or laboratory work and the ability to work independently are very important.

Duties & Working Conditions: These positions are located in the Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, MD, or at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Depending on the project, duties could include plant propagation, seed germination, pollinations, transplanting, DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, sequencing, PCR, and other laboratory, greenhouse, or nursery procedures.

To apply: Please send a cover letter stating your educational goals and research interests, resume, references, and transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) via email to USNA.Internships@ars.usda.gov.

Questions? Contact the internship office at (202) 245-4563 or USNA.Internships@ars.usda.gov.

You may view other Internships at the National Arboretum HERE.