Organization: Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI), Center for Environmental Studies. Location: Blue Hill, Maine; coastal village approx. three hours north of Portland and one hour south of Bar Harbor. Position: Full-time position, requiring a 6-month commitment starting mid-March/April (start date is flexible).
Overview of MERI
The Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and people from the harmful impacts of toxic chemicals. The Institute investigates the environmental causes of disease and inspires solutions to pressing environmental issues. Priority focus areas include: microplastics in the ocean food web; toxic contaminants and health of marine sentinel species (marine mammals and fish), and coastal monitoring in the Gulf of Maine. To learn more about our work, visit www.meriresearch.org <http://www.meriresearch.org/>.
Job Description
MERI is recruiting to fill a Marine Mammal Research Internship in spring 2017. NOTE: This is not a field research position. This internship is an exciting opportunity for a highly organized, detail-oriented researcher/writer with strong data-gathering, analytic, writing, and graphic communication skills to work with scientists/PIs from the Baltic, Arctic, and North Atlantic on a multi-year, international marine mammal research project. The intern will support the project by producing reports and white papers from primary research, and acquiring, analyzing, and integrating publicly available data into maps and other graphic presentations. The ideal candidate for this position will be knowledgeable about marine environmental issues and committed to the mission of the organization.
Internship Responsibilities
Perform academic literature reviews for MERI=E2=80=99s new project Measuring Global Change: Exposure and Health of Marine Sentinels from Three Oceans, to support an investigation of current environmental conditions and potential health impacts on 10 species of marine mammals inhabiting seas of the northern hemisphere. Retrieve, analyze, and integrate public domain data resources on climate, pollution, species ecology, and population status
Work with research staff to create geographic maps with data overlays through ArcGIS or similar programs
Help produce written content on the Three Oceans Project for the MERI website and assist with website overhaul implementation
Enhance the MERI phone library and resources, online and in-house, and assist with database management
Monitor publication sources to provide up-to-date pertinent research to staff
Participate in MERI Center lectures, programs, and events
On occasion, assist with marine mammal stranding response and assist with tissue processing in the lab as needed
Assist with other duties relating to MERI=E2=80=99s goals and mission as required
Qualifications
REQUIRED
=C2=A7 BA, BS or Master=E2=80=99s degree with a background in marine mammology, marine toxicology, environmental health sciences or a related field from an accredited university
=C2=A7 A high level of computer literacy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database, statistical, graphics programs and reference management programs such as Endnote, and literature searching platforms
=C2=A7 Must have experience integrating geospatial datasets in GIS/ArcGIS and other geographic information systems
=C2=A7 Proven ability to conduct, publish, and present scientific research and translate findings for general audiences
=C2=A7 Excellent organizational and communications skills: ability to meet deadlines
Applicants must possess a valid driver=E2=80=99s license.
=C2=A7 A passionate interest in the Institute=E2=80=99s mission and priority concerns
DESIRED
=C2=A7 Experience working in environmental health sciences, wildlife toxicology, ocean conservation, environmental health policy, or related fields
=C2=A7 Proficiency in photo-documentation, video editing a plus
Reports to: Director and Senior Research Staff
Time Requirements
This position requires a 6-month commitment beginning in March/April 2017, although start and end dates are flexible. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours may be required at times to complete projects or meet deadlines.
Compensation:
Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to the Institute. Interns are responsible for all non-work related travel expenses and food.
To Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, career objectives, and why you are interested in an internship at MERI along with your Resume/CV and three references to:
Johanna Barrett, Executive Assistant, jbarrett@meriresearch.org <mailto:jbarrett@meriresearch.org>. Indicate =E2=80=9CMarine Mammal Research Internship, NAME=E2=80=9D in the subject line of your email.
This position will be filled immediately upon finding the ideal candidate with the requisite background and skills.
Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, ME 04614
Website: www.meriresearch.org <http://www.meriresearch.org/>
MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Johanna Barrett
Executive Assistant
Marine & Environmental Research Institute
55 Main St, Blue Hill ME 04614
(207) 374-2135
www.meriresearch.org