2026 Research Assistant Opportunity - Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project (SBDRP) is seeking one research assistant who is an Australian citizen currently residing in Australia for the upcoming 2026 field season in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The SBDRP is a long-term collaboration between Georgetown University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the University of Queensland studying Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, WA since the 1980s. The 2026 field season will support graduate research collecting drone data and long-term population monitoring. Timeframe: 20 August - 10 December 2026 (~4 months) Field site: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Compensation: Research assistants will receive a modest stipend. Domestic travel and living expenses (housing and food) will also be covered. The ideal candidate: We are seeking one recent graduate with a background in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or a related field. This position is intended for an early-career candidate interested in gaining field and research experience. Strong applicants will be detail-oriented, reliable, adaptable, and comfortable working in remote conditions as part of a small team (3-6 people). Candidates should be prepared for long workdays, including weekends. Fieldwork, boating, or drone experience is helpful but not required. The most important qualities are flexibility, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the research. Because team members live and work closely together throughout the field season, maturity, a positive attitude, and a collaborative nature are essential. Eligibility: Australian citizens currently residing in Australia. Bachelor’s degree completed by August 2026 or within the past 3 years (no earlier than 2023). Must not currently hold a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), be enrolled in a graduate program, or begin a graduate program prior to or during the 2026 field season. Applicants must be fluent in English. In good physical condition and able to lift 20 kg (50 lbs). Application: https://forms.gle/XPhcnry8ccCe1NUC6 The Google Form is now open and will close on 7 July 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT. No late submissions will be considered. All applicants will receive notification of our decision no later than July 30th. Any questions can be directed to field season lead, Diana Alvarado (dca51@georgetown.edu <mailto:dca51@georgetown.edu>). -- Diana C. Alvarado (she/her) PhD Student, Department of Biology Georgetown University