Cetacean Research & Marine Biology Internships in Spain
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on research experiences designed to foster success in both undergraduate and postgraduate fields.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION – This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). No fewer than 22 cetacean species have been recorded in these waters over the years. Some, such as common bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, long-finned pilot whales, humpback whales, beaked whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales have been recorded by the BDRI team in 2017.
BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication.
With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will be trained to participate with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection).
The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.
HOW TO APPLY – The internship is open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 8th January 2018 through to end November 2018.
The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).
Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
– A cover letter including your availability;
– A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills;
– BDRI’s application form, you can download from <http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc>
Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: severine@thebdri.com
Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.
For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page.