Cetacean Research Training Positions – BDRI, Spain (Late-Season 2026)
Dear MARMAM community, The BDRI offers advanced professional training in marine mammal science, positioning participants as research assistants within structured, high-level research projects focused on behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins, with parallel projects on other cetacean species (late-season emphasis on multi-species sightings: common dolphins, fin whales, blue whales, porpoises, orcas, pilot whales), seabirds, and Eurasian otters. This program provides rigorous mentorship from a dedicated international faculty of 6 instructors (MSc,PhD postdocs/seniors from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal), with a maximum of 16 participants. Over the last 20 years, more than 1,000 students have participated, producing over 450 MSc/BSc theses and 5 PhDs in the last 10 years, with numerous alumni advancing to leading roles at research centers, NGOs, and universities through hands-on skill development and independent thesis work. Only late-season positions (August–November 2026) remain available, filled on a first-come, first-served basis—apply immediately. These slots coincide with peak biodiversity, featuring multiple cetacean sightings drawn to Galicia's rich coastal waters. Location: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI). O Grove, Galicia, NW Spain. Schedule: Full-time: 5 days/week (Monday–Friday), typically 9:30–16:00 lab-based + 1–3 weather-dependent field days (up to 8 hours). Rotations include photo-ID, GIS, bioacoustics, otter diet analysis, skin marks analysis, behavioural ecology, and statistical modelling. Program Structure Orientation: Protocols, skills assessment, project integration. Progressive training: Supervised tasks to autonomous research. Deliverables: Final report, team presentation, potential co-authorship. Participant Profile: 18+ years, students/recent graduates in biology, marine science, or related fields. Strong research motivation, full-time flexibility, international mindset (English working language). Logistics and Fees: Self-funded program covers full mentorship, facilities (lab/boat), insurances, shared O Grove accommodation with other participants, utilities. Participants cover travel/meals; university funding encouraged. Details at www.thebdri.com/internships.html. Application: - Review Policies & Guidelines: www.thebdri.com/internships.html. - Email internship@thebdri.com for data availability and instructions. - Late-season spots only—positions close when filled. Contact: internship@thebdri.com | www.thebdri.com Selected BDRI-based publications in the last 3 years: - (2026) Calling out in the crowd: signature whistle production in bottlenose dolphins. Mammalian Biology https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00556-1 - (2025). Whistle rate determinants in wild bottlenose dolphins: behaviour, location, and group size. Bioacoustics, https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2025.2482918 - (2025). Fine-scale habitat selection of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Northwest Iberian Peninsula waters. Marine Biology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-024-04586-0 - (2024). Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03808 - (2024). Killer whales habitat suitability in the Iberian Peninsula and the Gulf of Biscay: Implications for conservation. Ocean & Coastal Management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107245 - (2024). Habitat use by iberian harbour porpoises: ecological and human factors. Marine Biology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-024-04438-x - (2023). Epimeletic behavior in a free-ranging female Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). Acta ethologica, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-023-00417-5 - (2023). The impact of anthropogenic pollutants on the distribution of a marine top predator within a coastal estuarine system. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11477-2 - (2023). Group size varies with climate and oceanographic conditions in bottlenose dolphins. Marine Biology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-022-04154-4 Kind regards, Bruno Díaz López Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI - www.thebdri.com Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain Tel. 0034 684248552 he/him/his ResearchGate - GoogleScholar -https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0388-3289 Follow BDRI on Facebook , Instagram or mention us on Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. 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. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.
participants (1)
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Bruno Diaz Lopez