Marine Intern | Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our Internship Program 2019.

Graduates and students from a wide range of disciplines are all able to apply for a training period at BDRI. The BDRI, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on marine research experiences designed to foster success in both undergraduate and postgraduate fields. If you are planning to embark on a career in the field of marine mammal science, then an internship at BDRI will be ideal for you. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans, otters, 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.

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). The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in these waters (up to 22 different species recorded) allows the BDRI team to have several ongoing research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales.

Lasting between one and nine months, there’s a variety of research projects that will help you explore what you may want to do long term. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved 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).

While you’ll benefit from specialized research training, you’ll need the drive to make the most of our research programs working side by side with the chief biologist (Dr. Diaz Lopez), and other experienced researchers (S. Methion, PhD cadidate & marine ecologist and Oriol Giralt, Phd candidate & marine biologist). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.

HOW TO APPLY – Research experiences are 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. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the needs of the institute and the intern’s availability, but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 2019 through to end November 2019.

BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, accommodation in an apartment with other participants, and other expenses (access to wifi, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, insurances, 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 e-mail to severine@thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 12 vacancies).

For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thebdri>

Some of our ex-interns shared their BDRI internship experience at: https://youtu.be/UAuO2XasBnw

Scientific articles published by the BDRI in the last two years (for a full list of publications please visit: <http://www.thebdri.com/research/papers.html>)