Do
you what to be a part of ground breaking research we have a perfect position
for you.
The Project:
We
are a new NGO in the Turkish Mediterranean Coast, Marine Mammals Research Association
(Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)) is aimed at studying cetacean
biodiversity of the Antalya Bay by gathering data on the fauna description,
distribution and habitats. So far, 9 cetacean species were recorded,
included bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, common dolphins, Risso's
dolphins, Cuvier's beaked whale and even in some rare occasions whales such as
the fin whale and sperm whale. Despite this large biodiversity there haven’t
been many studies on this region so there is a big gap on the data available.
Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies in
the area by collecting data on cetacean fauna. This project provides an
excellent opportunity for students and individuals interested in getting more
experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research.
Duties and Opportunities
We
are looking for volunteers for position of Assistant researcher for the next
survey season. The Assistant researchers will be responsible for: (1)
Collecting sighting and behavioral data, (2) Organizing photo-ID and (3)
entering data.
As
a researcher you will have access to intensive training and mentoring: (1) in marine mammals biodiversity, (2)
photo-ID, (3) statistics and (4) GIS. You will also get hands on experience in
marine mammal id, boat based and land based observation, marine mammal
behavior, etc. There will be opportunities for longer boat based observations
aboard vessels; these may take two or three days at the time whenever they are
available.
As
a Research Assistant you should expect long working days in the field (from 6
to 12 hours per day), and expect to wake up very early (around 4:30 a.m.).
The work will be carried under adverse weathers conditions. The typical week is
divided in 3 days of fieldwork 2 days of office work and 2 days for you to
enjoy the lovely Turkish Riviera and the city of Antalya.
Conditions
Assistant
researcher have to be able to live and work with others in a multi cultural
team, have a strong desire to work with marine mammals under any weather
conditions and maintain a professional and hardworking attitude.
The
positions are unpaid and request a contribution from the participants. As a
newly formed NGO, the DMAD is a self-funded center and as such it still
requires a contribution from the assistant researcher in order to fully
function. This will be a contribution of 500Euro per month and it covers
accommodation (food cost will be at each responsibility, although this is a low
expense and should be around 80$ month or less), your contribution will also
aid in renting the vessels and renting equipment.
Plus
successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation to and
from Antalya-Turkey.
Positions
for this season are open starting in March-2015. The minimum commitment time is
1 month but longer times have priority.
Applicants should send a short email introducing
themselves to akkayaaylin@yahoo.com.
The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this
project. Please also attach a brief CV. There is no deadline to apply.
However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.
Cheers,
Aylin Akkaya Bas