INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Two intership positions in Andenes, Norway, are available for the winter 2011 - 2012 to assist in PhD project focusing on sperm whales.

DESCRIPTION

The project focuses on the social structure and movements of male sperm whales encountered in North Norwegian waters. The techniques that are used for the project include photo identification, acoustics, land -based surveys, and genetics among others.

The work will mainly consist on land - based surveys from Andenes lighthouse using BigEye binoculars (weather dependent) and extensive data management at the office. Additionally, there will be opportunities to conduct some field trips on board whale watching platforms or dedicated vessels from the beggining of November.

Cetaceans in the area include: sperm whales, killer whales, humpback whales, Minke whales, fin whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, long-finned pilot whales and harbour porpoise.

Candidates may have the possibility to work on other projects under development in the area.

Complete training will be provided for successful candidates.

COMMITMENT:

We are seeking for motivated candidates to start with the internship as soon as possible. Internship period will start and be extended in agreement with the selected candidates, but it will ideally be of 2 months ( sbetween November 2011 to April 2012). It might be possible to split the internship in shorter periods so that more and shorter internships will be available if interns can not commit for the whole period.

REQUIREMENTS:

- To be enroled or have a Bachelor in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or equivalent degree.
- To speak fluent English.
- To be flexible, patient and able to cope with long hours at the office when the weather limits the field work.
- To be used to being out at sea (you donīt feel normally seasick).
- To be fisically fit to climb to a lighthouse every day.
- To be able to lift easily 8 kg with your arms (important for setting up the BigEyes on the tripod).

OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS:

- To have postgraduate education level.
- To speak other languages: especially Norwegian.
- To have previous experience in basic cetacean research.
- To be able to deal with the cold and pretty dark winter of Northern Norway.

COMPENSATION

Unfortunately we can not provide a salary to the interns, but accommodation for the entire period on the fully equipped Whale Centre will be provided, included electricity, heating and internet connection. Transportation to field sites will be provided if necessary and to and from the airport upon arrival and departure.
 
Interns will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Andenes, Norway.

HOW TO APPLY

Please, send CV trough email to the following address: macostaplata@gmail.com
Due to the need to cover these positions as soon as possible, candidates may be considered in a first come - first served basis.

Marta Acosta
PhD Fellow
Whalesafari Andenes
Postboks 58
8483 Andenes
Norway
macostaplata@gmail.com