The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on research experiences as a marine mammal scientist in the NW coast of Spain. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION – This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. In 2017, the BDRI team had the opportunity to study bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso?s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and even blue whales.
During the internship period participants will be working side by side with the chief biologist, and other experienced researchers. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, 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. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.
HOW TO APPLY? Research experiences are open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous (internships) or 5 days (volunteering) commitment sometime between February 2018 through to end November 2018.
The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this research experience requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).
Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to severine@thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.
For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page (BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE BDRI).