*About ELI-Scientific* ELI-S is a nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in 2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans. We have set up the research project “Cetacean Conservation in Nicaragua”. ELI-Scientific is recruiting six research assistants for field work, photo-identification and data entry from February to April 2017. This project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, distribution and habitat use patterns. The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to participate to a pioneer research project under the supervision of experienced Team Leader and the Project Director. The expected output is to generate: 1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism. All team members will have a training beforehand on the field methodologies and protocols as well as on data management. *Locations: *Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua San Juan del Sur South-West of Nicaragua *Period: *February - April 2017 (3 months) *Type of agreement: *Full time. 1 Day off per week. Research assistants should expect to spend at least 4 days a week on the field and 1 day a week in working with data and should be willing and able to work a 6 days per week during the 12-week field study. *Duties:* - Assist in Boat based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans - Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species - Update photo-ID catalogue - Data entry of collected data - Participate to public outreach *Skills and qualifications:* - *Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences* - *Fluency in Spanish* - *Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working* - Have background in cetacean ecology - Experience of working in developing countries - *Experience in delivering educational activities* - Proactive with ability to work unsupervised - Interest in wildlife and conservation - Being comfortable on a small boat - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Being able to work in a small team - Being able to live in basic living conditions *Desirable skills :* - An interest and knowledge of marine life - A background in marine biology - Speaking English and French is a plus - Be able to swim *Successful candidate will:* - Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies - Work in a very dynamic environment - Get insight in running a research project in developing countries *Accommodation and expenses:* There is no monetary compensation for this study. A participation fee of 500 euros/month or 550$/month will cover accommodation and food (3 times a day) and include project t-shirts. The Research assistant is responsible for its own transportation. Travel from Managua to the study site will be covered. *To apply:* Please email a CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to joelle.deweerdt@eli-s.com with “Research assistant 2017” in the subject line. The application deadline is 16 October 2016. Interviews via Skype are possible. *Contact:* For further information and any queries, please contact Joëlle De Weerdt, Project Director Email: joelle.deweerdt@eli-s.com Tel: 0032 497 71 20 87 Website: www.eli-s.com Facebook: ELI-Scientific