Research Internships – Dolphins and porpoises in Spain

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for Winter and Spring term 2016 (a minimum of 30 days of participation between June 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 mammal’s research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers.

Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural 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. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, 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 centre 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 centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, and use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).

Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 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 download the internships general information and application form at:

www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf
www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc

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

See you on site!

Bruno Diaz Lopez
Chief Biologist and Director
Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)
Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980
Pontevedra-Spain
tel. 00 34 605 521441