The Marine Environmental Research
Institute (MERI) is recruiting to fill a Research Internship position for the
spring/summer of 2010. This internship requires a 6-month commitment (minimum), with a possible extension
to one year.
MERI is a non-profit scientific research and education
organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants
on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad
audience. Current projects include Seals as
Sentinels, a long-term investigation of the
impacts of pollutants on northwestern Atlantic harbor seals and the Blue
Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Project. MERI collaborates with Northeast Region
Stranding Network in the response to marine mammal strandings in Downeast
MERI
is located on the
This internship is an excellent opportunity for an
individual working toward a career in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology,
veterinary medicine, or public health to gain practical experience assisting
with a variety of wildlife research projects and communicating the results to
the scientific community and the public. The ideal candidate will possess a
personal interest in the marine environment, wildlife,
and human health, and will be committed to the mission of the organization.
Primary Internship Responsibility
This position
involves assisting the Research and Monitoring staff with the implementation of
the Seals as Sentinels project,
MERI’s long-term investigation of pollutant levels, trends and health effects
in stranded and free-ranging seals and their major prey fish, as well as studies
of pollutant-related disease in domestic animal sentinel species. Primary responsibilities include assisting
in marine mammal stranding
response, necropsies, sample collection and sample processing, storage, and
shipping; performing literature searches, data interpretation, and science
communication. Additional
duties assisting with a new pinniped monitoring survey, photo-documentation,
and community outreach.
Internship Description:
·
Assist with response to marine
mammal strandings: travel to stranding locations, assess animal condition; work
with MERI’s stranding specialist to report strandings to the network
·
Assist with necropsy of stranded
marine mammals in the field and in the MERI laboratory; perform tissue
collection from stranded animals for toxicology studies; process and store
tissue samples in the MERI Tissue Bank
·
Assist with collection of tissues
and health assessment data from veterinarians for studies of pollutant-related
hyperthyroid disease in domestic animal sentinel species
·
Prepare samples for shipment,
maintain chain-of-custody documentation for samples
·
Assist with the pilot phase of a
boat and aerial survey of harbor and gray seals in
·
Communicate with cooperating network
organizations, veterinarians, and laboratories to ensure compliance with
sampling protocols
·
Assist with literature surveys,
enter references into Endnote, compile articles relevant to preparation of
publications and reports
·
Photo-document research and
monitoring activities for web-available reports and lectures; contribute to the
MERI image library
·
Create Power Point presentations and
perform other tasks related to science communication and preparation of
publications and reports
·
Assist the Education department
with mentoring and training of young scientists
·
Pitch in, as all employees do, to
help with MERI events, lectures, and programs and activities as needed
Reports to: Senior
Research Assistant and MERI Director
Qualifications
Applicants should
possess a BA or BS degree in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology,
veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, or related field. Applicants should be
well-organized and detail oriented. Experience collecting, processing and
documenting biologic samples according to standard protocols is required. Experience
with sick or injured animals, working in a veterinary clinic, or performing
animal necropsies is a plus. Experience handling small to medium-size boats in
marine waters is highly desirable.
Knowledge of computer
software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and digital photography is
required. Experience with statistics (SPSS), Endnote, and graphics software is highly
desirable. As this position requires some local travel, applicants must possess
(or be able to obtain) a valid
Time Requirements: This position
requires a 6-month commitment (minimum) from approximately April to October
2010 (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Upon a satisfactory review,
the internship may be extended up to one year. Full-time hours (40 hours/week);
additional hours to be agreed upon by intern and the Director.
Compensation: Stipend
and shared housing in
To Apply:
If you are interested
in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your
experience, CV, a relevant writing sample, and three references to:
Michelle Berger, Senior Research Assistant, mberger@meriresearch.org
Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
Website:.www.meriresearch.org
MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Michelle Berger
Senior Research Assistant
Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
(207) 374-8980