The Marine & Environmental Research Institute is now accepting applications for a 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.  Ideally, this 6 month internship will begin in March/April; housing and a stipend are provided.

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.

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’s 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’s goals and mission as required

Qualifications

REQUIRED

§  BA, BS or Master’s degree with a background in marine mammology, marine toxicology,  environmental health sciences or a related field from an accredited university

§  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

§  Must have experience integrating geospatial datasets in GIS/ArcGIS and other geographic information systems

§  Proven ability to conduct, publish, and present scientific research and translate findings for general audiences

§  Excellent organizational and communications skills: ability to meet deadlines

• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

§  A passionate interest in the Institute’s mission and priority concerns

DESIRED

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.  Indicate “Marine Mammal Research Internship, NAME” 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

MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

thank you,