The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI offers opportunities for students and recent graduates to acquire multidisciplinary work experience in cetacean research in 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! And the exciting part is that it is yet to be discovered!
During the internship period students will be working side by side with the chief biologist, and other experienced researchers. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will be trained to participate 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.
Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 8th January 2018 through to end November 2018.
The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this internship 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 application with the following:
– A cover letter including your availability;
– A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills;
– BDRI’s application form, you can download the file from <http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc>
Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine@thebdri.com
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.