Research Assistant position for Marine Mammals Research projects in Spain. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, is a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. From our headquarter in O Grove, Galicia (NW Spain), we work to protect marine life in the Atlantic Ocean and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology. The project is based in the North-western coast of Spain (Galicia), an important hotspot for cetaceans, and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and an important area of upwelling, Galicia is considered to be one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world; nor surprisingly this is Spain's main fishing region. No fewer than 22 cetacean species have been recorded in Galician waters over the years. Some, such as bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, harbour porpoises, short-beaked common dolphins, and Risso's dolphins have been recorded quite frequently by the BDRI since 2014. For this summer/fall research season one of the BDRI's objetives will be to record the presence of other species also observed in open waters as orcas, fin whales, and long-finned pilot whales. Moreover, BDRI is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works to respond to cetaceans, seals, and marine turtles strandings. Program Description: The BDRI internship program is an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in a career in marine science to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammals and marine birds research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in ecology and sociobiology with a focus on cetaceans ethology, habitat use, and communication. As an intern, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. Interns will be trained to participate with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based and land-based surveys, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in field research make the most qualified individuals. This post brings the opportunity to be trained by the BDRI' researchers in data collection and processing.A strong interest in marine biology and conservation, self-motivation, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office are required. The field schedule is variable and involves working at night (as part of our new research project about noctural/acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins) and during the day. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur approximately three-four times per week. There will be one/two days off per week. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Undergraduate and postgraduate student thesis projects can also be supported. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 1st August through to end November 2017. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is an internships/tuition fee including the accommodation in an apartment, supervision, training, use of equipment, and other expenses derived of your participation (access to wifi, field trips, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled. Please download the internships general information at: <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf> 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); - BDRI's application form, you can download from <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc> Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine@thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. Best regards, and see you on site! Bruno Díaz López Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 605 52 1441 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.