The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is offering a three-month internship to study the biomolecular composition of baleen. The intern will become familiar with the preparation workflow of samples for proteomics analysis and have the opportunity to apply a range of techniques for protein extraction and separation of proteins in both modern whale specimens and samples of historical and archaeological artifacts made of baleen. The intern will obtain hands-on experience on mass spectrometric analysis, using MCI’s Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer coupled with a Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000 RSLCnano System Liquid Chromatography. The intern will learn how to use bioinformatic and statistic tools for proteomics data processing, using software such as Peaks X, mascot, MaxQuant, etc. The internship is an opportunity to immerse in an interdisciplinary research project with implications for zooarchaeology, marine biology and cultural heritage. Access to ancient samples of baleen will allow the intern to develop knowledge on the use of the material in archaeological objects and dive into the historical trade of baleen during American whaling.
Plus d’informations :
[Website Smithsonian Museum]