Internship in Primate Skeletal Biology

Osteoporosis (also known as "fragile bone disease") and osteoarthritis are age-related health problems of immediate public health concern. Dr. Havill's research with humans and baboons centers on identification of factors, both environmental and genetic, that contribute to variation in bone health. There are a number of current research projects in which interns can be involved. One body of research involves determining the degree to which various measures of shape and composition contribute to bone strength and the degree to which variation in these traits is due to the effects of genes. The traits being examined include cortical bone microstructure, local mechanical and material properties of cortical and trabecular bone, and degree of bone mineralization. A second body of research involves the role of genetic variation in risk of osteoarthritis. A third research area employs a novel method to discover genes that affect bone health. RNA is extracted from bone and other relevant tissues and is then used to obtain whole genome transcriptional profiles for the specific tissue. Gene expression is then examined relative to the trait of interest to identify genes that are correlated with variation in the trait. The mechanisms underlying these correlations are then pursued. As an intern with Dr. Havill, one would have the opportunity to learn standard lab techniques, skeletal anatomy and biology, how to implement cutting-edge high throughput genetic analysis tools, and the application of all of these to the study of bone health.

Description of duties: Specific duties vary according to the specific interests of the intern and the immediate needs of the intern and the skeletal research program. These duties may include processing skeletal materials, collecting and analyzing data, preparing results for oral and written presentation, etc.

Qualifications: Qualifications include an interest in scientific research and in skeletal biology and a strong academic record. Interns must be enthusiastic and willing to learn the appropriate data collection methods. Prior experience in relevant laboratory techniques and basic statistical methods is not necessary, but is preferred and should be mentioned in the one page application. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students will be considered. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Duration of internship: Internship duration is variable, but generally ranges from 16 to 32 weeks.

How to apply: Send a one page, detailed description of your interests, academic background, lab experience (if any), and reasons for wanting to participate in an internship in primate skeletal biology to Lorena M. Havill, Ph.D. via e-mail [lhavill@sfbrgenetics.org]. Further materials will be requested at a later stage (i.e. transcripts, references).