Internship: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute – O Grove, Spain

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting internship applications for late Summer and fall term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation between August and November) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain).  An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammals research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, etc.) can also be supported.  Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioral ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various software, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our center understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience needed in order to give an insight and reflect the reality of a job within the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded center, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an internships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research center (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between August through to November. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please find more information and download the application form at:

Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter
by email to the email: info@thebdri.comFor more information about BDRI’s
research and conservation work, please visit our new website www.thebdri.com
or our Facebook page.