Position description / availability:
 We are seeking applicants to help conduct research on several projects currently being conducted in various benthic communities. These projects focus on benthic community structures, the effects of nutrient enrichment, and oyster growth and restoration.

Research will be based at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in the Mobile Bay area of the Northern Gulf Coast. The interns will work closely with Professor Ken Heck, Research Associate Dottie Byron, and graduate students.

We are looking for interns for both spring and fall seasons. The duration of the internship is about 3 months. The internship will have a flexible start date with summer interns starting on or about May 19, 2008 continuing through August 15, 2008. Fall interns will start on August 18, 2008 and continue through November 14, 2008. You may apply for both seasons if you wish.
 

Duties and responsibilities:
This internship will be field intensive at times. Field research will include seagrass restoration and monitoring, juvenile snappers and gag grouper habitat assessment, and monthly sampling of restored oyster reefs near Dauphin Island, Alabama (for more information regarding current projects, please check the Marine Ecology Lab website at http://marineecologylab.disl.org/projects.htm). Applicants should have their own snorkel gear (both seasons) and wet suit (fall season only). Interns will be involved in sample collection and processing and will receive training in sampling techniques (benthic flora and fauna sampling, fisheries sampling, water column sampling, and seagrass monitoring techniques), fish and invertebrate identification, and analytical methods (chlorophyll analysis and nutrient analysis). There will also be numerous opportunities to learn other ecological field sampling techniques in a variety of marine environments. In addition, there will be seminars from visiting scientists and discussion groups on current topics in marine science.

We are seeking people who are enthusiastic about marine ecology and may be considering marine science as a career. This job requires long days of physically demanding field work and long hours sorting samples in the lab. Experience (although not necessary), as well as enthusiasm about marine research, are important aspects of a rewarding internship. This is a great opportunity for hands-on training in the field and laboratory.

Stipend:
A weekly stipend of $150 and a room and board allowance ($150/week) will be provided.  Housing will be arranged at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Eligibility:
Undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled in marine programs or with marine experience are preferred. Graduating seniors are also welcome to apply. This internship is available to U.S. citizens only.

Application Instructions: (** UPDATED 03/03/2008**)
The application is now a fillable pdf form and can be accessed at http://marineecologylab.disl.org/pdfs/internApplication.pdf.  You must have Acrobat Reader 7 or higher to view and save the application correctly.  If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can visit http://www.adobe.com to download a FREE copy. Although not required, we would prefer if you submitted your application via email. 
To save the pdf with your information entered:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 Users:  Select "Save As" under the "Page" menu or click the save disk icon.
Firefox Users: Click on the save disk icon.  **Do not select "Save Page As" under the "File" menu as this will only save the blank pdf without your entered information.

Then rename the file to "your last name_applicaton.pdf" (eg.  Byron_application.pdf), and email your file to dbyron@disl.org.  We also suggest you print a copy for your records. 
If you prefer, you may submit your application via fax to (251) 861-7540 Attn: Dottie Byron or via mail to

Dottie Byron
Marine Ecology Lab Intern Program
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Blvd.
Dauphin Island, AL 36528

If at any time during the application process, you have questions or problems with the fillable pdf form, you may contact Dottie Byron via email at dbyron@disl.org or via phone (251) 861-2179.

Summer Internship Application Deadline: March 30, 2008
Summer Interns will be notified: April 14, 2008.

Fall Internship Application Deadline: April 20, 2008
Fall Interns will be notified: May 5, 2008.

Visit our web page to learn about the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (http://www.disl.org) and to view Dr. K.L. Heck’s research profile (http://faculty.disl.org/kheck.html)

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer