Dear all, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through research and education, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT - INTERN COORDINATOR This position is responsible for assisting the BDRI biologists in the running of the research project focused on the study of the impact of marine vessels on bottlenose dolphin behaviour and coordinating the interns participating in the project. The intern coordinator is responsible for the daily activities of the interns and volunteers, and contributing to the daily functioning of the institute, participating both to field and lab work. In return the intern coordinator receive accommodation, equipment and logistics support as well as constant supervision from Mr. Bruno Díaz López, director, chief biologist; Ms. Séverine Methion, MSc, PhD candidate, principal investigator, marine ecologist; and Mr. Oriol Giralt, MSc, PhD candidate, research staff, marine biologist. The project is based in O Grove, North-western coast of Spain and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. The main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins with a focus on the behavioural changes induced by the presence of vessels. Start Date: 1st April 2018 End Date: August 31st 2018 (start and end dates could be flexible) Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in all phases of the research and organization. * Coordinate between the BDRI's biologists and the interns - in charge of the intern shared house. * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in intern basic training of land-based surveys and lab work (photo ID studies, Database entry, GIS, and more). * Assisting the BDRI's biologists with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and triage, opportunistic public outreach, biological data collection, and sampling from dead stranded marine mammals. REQUIREMENTS: - 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. The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. - The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other participants but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating up to 9 interns. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. - Must be of good physical fitness, be able to lift/carry 35lbs (16 kg), walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on boats in nearshore/offshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions at times. - The intern coordinator must be able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively. - The intern coordinator must be able to spend many hours on shore, and working in the lab. Laboratory work days typically last 6 hours and field days typically exceed four hours and occur approximately two-three times per week. There will be two days off per week. Please keep in mind that field work is weather dependent, unpredictable, and changes seasonally. - Fluent in English. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This post brings the opportunity to be trained and to undertake a personal research project supervised by the BDRI' Chief Biologist (Mr. Bruno Díaz López) and BDRI' Marine Biologist (Severine Methion) as part of the land-based study carried out during this period about the impact of vessels on dolphins behaviour. If the candidate intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with his/her educational institution. This position is unpaid but accommodation in the intern shared house will be covered. Successful applicants will be responsible and their own expenses, including food and travelling to and from the research centre in O Grove, Galicia, Spain. TO APPLY: Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Europe for more than 3 months if they are not European citizens or authorized to work in Europe. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. Interested candidates should submit an application with the following: - A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only); - A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only); - Names and contact information of at least one reference (preferred). Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine@thebdri.com Please specify BDRI INTERN COORDINATOR into your subject title. For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com and our Facebook page (BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE BDRI). DEADLINE: 1st March 2018. Interviews (via Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates. Scientific articles published by the BDRI in 2017 (for a full list of publications please visit: <http://www.thebdri.com/research/papers.html>) - Diaz Lopez, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266 - Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common bottlenose dolphins’ use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83. - Diaz Lopez, B., Grandcourt, E., Methion, S., Das, H., Bugla, I., Al Hameli, M., Al Hameri, H., Abdulla, M; Al Blooshi, A; Al Dhaheri, S.(2017). The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001205 - Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378. Best regards, and see you in Galicia, Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 00 34 684248552 <www.thebdri.com> This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. 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