The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is recruiting to fill a Research Internship position for the spring/summer of 2010. This internship requires a 6-month commitment (minimum), with a possible extension to one year.
MERI is a non-profit scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad audience. Current projects include Seals as Sentinels, a long-term investigation of the impacts of pollutants on northwestern Atlantic harbor seals and the Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Project. MERI collaborates with Northeast Region Stranding Network in the response to marine mammal strandings in Downeast Maine. MERI is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula in a unique coastal ecosystem bridging mid-coast and Downeast Maine. This rocky coastline is primary habitat for a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife including bald eagles, ospreys, seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales. The landscape is dotted with uninhabited islands, rocky ledges, small fishing villages, boatyards, and blueberry fields. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, or public health to gain practical experience assisting with a variety of wildlife research projects and communicating the results to the scientific community and the public. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment, wildlife, and human health, and will be committed to the mission of the organization. Primary Internship Responsibility This position involves assisting the Research and Monitoring staff with the implementation of the Seals as Sentinels project, MERI's long-term investigation of pollutant levels, trends and health effects in stranded and free-ranging seals and their major prey fish, as well as studies of pollutant-related disease in domestic animal sentinel species. Primary responsibilities include assisting in marine mammal stranding response, necropsies, sample collection and sample processing, storage, and shipping; performing literature searches, data interpretation, and science communication. Additional duties assisting with a new pinniped monitoring survey, photo-documentation, and community outreach. Internship Description: * Assist with response to marine mammal strandings: travel to stranding locations, assess animal condition; work with MERI's stranding specialist to report strandings to the network * Assist with necropsy of stranded marine mammals in the field and in the MERI laboratory; perform tissue collection from stranded animals for toxicology studies; process and store tissue samples in the MERI Tissue Bank * Assist with collection of tissues and health assessment data from veterinarians for studies of pollutant-related hyperthyroid disease in domestic animal sentinel species * Prepare samples for shipment, maintain chain-of-custody documentation for samples * Assist with the pilot phase of a boat and aerial survey of harbor and gray seals in Blue Hill Bay * Communicate with cooperating network organizations, veterinarians, and laboratories to ensure compliance with sampling protocols * Assist with literature surveys, enter references into Endnote, compile articles relevant to preparation of publications and reports * Photo-document research and monitoring activities for web-available reports and lectures; contribute to the MERI image library * Create Power Point presentations and perform other tasks related to science communication and preparation of publications and reports * Assist the Education department with mentoring and training of young scientists * Pitch in, as all employees do, to help with MERI events, lectures, and programs and activities as needed Reports to: Senior Research Assistant and MERI Director Qualifications Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, or related field. Applicants should be well-organized and detail oriented. Experience collecting, processing and documenting biologic samples according to standard protocols is required. Experience with sick or injured animals, working in a veterinary clinic, or performing animal necropsies is a plus. Experience handling small to medium-size boats in marine waters is highly desirable. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and digital photography is required. Experience with statistics (SPSS), Endnote, and graphics software is highly desirable. As this position requires some local travel, applicants must possess (or be able to obtain) a valid U.S. driver's license and have a good driving record. Applicants must be available to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. This position requires physical activity and applicant should be able to lift up to 40 lbs and maintain balance while walking on uneven terrain (island ledges) and on small boats. Time Requirements: This position requires a 6-month commitment (minimum) from approximately April to October 2010 (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Upon a satisfactory review, the internship may be extended up to one year. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by intern and the Director. Compensation: Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to the Marine Environmental Research Institute. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses, food, and visa arrangements if applicable. To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, CV, a relevant writing sample, and three references to: Michelle Berger, Senior Research Assistant, mber...@meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Website:. <http://www.meriresearch.org/> www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Michelle Berger Senior Research Assistant Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) P.O. Box 1652 Blue Hill, ME 04614 (207) 374-8980
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