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The Kingfisher Project is part funded by the European Social Fund

 Information for Applicants

The Marine Biological Association is offering two trainee positions, one working with the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) and one with the marine ecology group of the MBA. There may be opportunities for both trainees to work with both groups.

MarLIN is an Internet initiative of the MBA (see www.marlin.ac.uk). The programme researches and publishes information on the biology and sensitivity of marine life, provides access to marine life survey data and also runs a large education and recording programme. The trainee will be working within a small team with opportunities to develop areas of particular interest. It is envisaged the Kingfisher trainee will be involved in the following areas of MarLIN work:

• Develop and run the ‘Alien Hunt’ programme engaging with Primary Schools in visiting local shores to look for non native and climate change species.

• Help organise and run ‘seashore safaris’ and school events.

• Operate the ‘Learning Zone’ providing news articles.

• Research and Web publishing of ‘topic pages’ on marine life and conservation.

• Data entry using Microsoft Access to provide Web access to marine survey data. 

• Recording schemes - species research and development of schemes.  Working with the National Biodiversity Network.

• Who’s – who in marine recording.  Researching recording groups and publishing details on the Web site.

• Biology and sensitivity work – researching a number of species using the MarLIN database and approach.

The trainee will gain experience in Web design, research work, public education and publishing scientific work. Web published material is attributed to the researcher.

The Marine Ecology Group consists of several research groups, each led by a MBA Fellow. Research areas include fish behavioural studies, supply-side ecology and aspects of marine community ecology. The trainee position would suit an enthusiastic practical person interested in gaining experience of marine fieldwork and specimen collection techniques, ideally with an ability to work at sea.  Survival at sea training will be provided. It is envisaged that the trainee will be involved in the following work areas of the Marine Ecology Group:

• Rocky shore fieldwork – assisting with ‘in-situ’ monitoring/experiments and collection of specimens

• Seawater Hall – working with trained aquarists in keeping marine animals and plants.

• Research vessel and small boat sampling – assisting biological and oceanographic sampling programmes

• MBA ‘Standard haul’ – helping sort demersal trawl catches at sea and recording of species / biomass

• Data entry using Microsoft Excel – supporting recording of monitoring/experimental data

The trainee will gain experience in the practical aspects of scientific research work and would develop/improve marine organism identification skills.

For further information please contact Jon Parr (01752 633145) or Georgina Budd (01752 633377).

Interviews

Any applicants who have not heard from us by the date of the interview should consider their applications unsuccessful.

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