We are looking for 2 research assistants or interns (this is a paid position) for out project SAMBAY (San Antonio Model BAY) for the period of ~8 weeks during August – October 2015. Exact dates will be determined soon. The SAMBAY project will measure southern right whale behavior and acoustic propagation properties needed to estimate animal density from passive acoustic monitoring. It is a collaborative project between the Ocean Acoustic Lab at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and the MaryBio Research Foundation in Patagonia, Argentina. Based on the success of the field season and the performance of the research assistant there might turn up an opportunity for a thesis. Reviews will begin on March 1st and run until the positions are filled. Field season language will be English, but a basic understanding of German and/or Spanish is a plus. Please do not apply if you are not available for the full field season. Responsibilities of the research assistants The successful candidates will assist with: • Boat based data collection of whale behavior • Acoustic data recording and storage • Preliminary acoustic data analysis • Land based marine mammal observations • Line transect distance sampling • Photogrammetric image analysis • Whale tagging (using suction cup tags) • General assistance with everyday duties during a field season Qualifications Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: • Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies (BSc or MSc is both fine) • A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Statistical Ecology, Biophysics, Acoustics or any related field • A general interest in marine mammal acoustics • Basic computer proficiency, and the ability to learn to use new software quickly • A willingness to spend prolonged hours on a zodiac at low temperatures (down to 5°C) • A willingness to work for the full period (~8 weeks) for up to 10h per day (basically from dawn till dusk) • Ability to swim and physically fit • Works well in a team environment • Experience in marine mammal field research is good, but not required We will provide: • Transportation costs (flight to Argentina + transportation in Argentina) • Living costs (shared housing and meals) • Financial compensation (~680€ / month) • Training (depending on location of application even prior to field season) Please email your application (1-page motivation letter, attended course list, CV, field experience list and optional reference letters) as one PDF file to daniel.zitterbart@awi.de. For further information please contact me at daniel.zitterbart@awi.de -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dr. Daniel P. Zitterbart Alfred Wegener Institut phone: +4947148312212 Am Alten Hafen 26 27568 Bremerhaven mail: daniel.zitterbart@awi.de web: http://www.awi.de/People/show?dzitterb web2: http://biospy.org +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++