PhD Marine Research Assistant Opportunity

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre & Aberystwyth University

 PhD Marine Research Assistant Opportunity

 A PhD Assistant is required to assist with scientific research on marine mammals in Cardigan Bay, west Wales. The assistant will work closely with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) and Aberystwyth University PhD researcher. The opportunity is available for the forthcoming 2011 field season (April to October/November 2011).

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Working closely with the local authority, Ceredigion County Council, we coordinate data collection at two land survey sites, New Quay Harbour and Aberystwyth collecting data that contributes to the long term dolphin monitoring project in Cardigan Bay SAC.

To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org

The Aberystwyth University PhD project is investigating the use of remote sensing data and imagery for modelling and monitoring large marine species (whales, dolphins, turtles) over whole sea areas and will be using a variety of data sources including data collected by CBMWC volunteers.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting CBMWC’s Science Officer with the coordination of on-going research and training of volunteers as well as assisting with additional activities relating to CBMWC’s work and the PhD project.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about marine species and habitats in the Irish Sea, to gain experience in scientific data collection and valuable experience in field work, research methods, data processing and public awareness and education programmes. In addition to this you will be contributing to long term studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance, photo-identification studies and will act as a research assistant for a PhD project being undertaken by CBMWC’s Science Officer.

Essential requirements

• Be able to commit to the position for a minimum of five months
• Minimum of a BSc in a relevant/related field
• Be able to assist with coordination and training of volunteers (data collection and data entry)
• Demonstrable interest in the marine environment and marine ecosystems
• Ability to work as part of a small team and outdoors in changeable weather conditions
• Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone
• Fluency in English

Desirable skills

• Experience working on small boats may be beneficial
• Familiar with MS Office including Access and word processing software
• Knowledge and experience using GIS software may be beneficial but is not essential.
• RYA Powerboat license would be advantageous but is not essential
• A full UK driving license and access to your own transport would be advantageous

 The successful candidate is expected to be independent, proactive and self-motivated. They must be reliable, conscientious, be able to work unsupervised and have a mature approach to their work.

You must be available and willing to work up to 8 hours a days, six days a week and be prepared to work both indoors and in an office environment. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement Welsh weather. You will also be expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided.

Accommodation and expense arrangements

This is an unpaid position but there is basic, shared accommodation that can be arranged for the successful candidate if they are from outside the local area (approx £55 per week). You will be responsible for your own food, travel and accommodation costs.

How to apply

Please email your CV, a cover letter (detailing your availability and why you are suitable for this position) and the contact details of two references to volunteer@cbmwc.org, with ‘PhD Research Assistant’ in the subject line.

Postal address:

FAO: Laura Mears

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

Patent Slip Building

Glanmor Terrace

New Quay

Ceredigion

SA45 9PS

Wales

 For further information

If you have any questions please email volunteer@cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560032.