Research Assistants

Aspiring marine/shark scientists may apply to assist Simon in conducting fieldwork.  This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in marine/shark science to gain hands on experience in shark survey methodology, behaviour, biology, ecology and conservation.  Volunteer research assistants will be based on Malapascua Island and shuttled to Monad Shoal aboard a dedicated research vessel.  Ops will run from 05:00 to 20:00 five days a week and include SCUBA survey, underwater video observation, tagging (pending funding) and photographic ID databasing.  Evenings will be spent in academics, training, reviewing video observations, analysing data for scientific paper writing, and preparing for the next day’s ops.   

All volunteer research assistants will receive comprehensive hands on training in shark research methodology, marine wildlife photography, marine videography and analytical approaches to behavioural science.  Assistants will also receive academics in shark biology, ecology, conservation and ethology (behaviour) and will apply learned concepts to the analysis of real data that they acquire on a daily basis.  Accepted candidates will benefit from a close working relationship with a specialist.

*Successful candidates MUST show proof of comprehensive liability and dive insurance (DAN is accepted).

Qualifications:

PADI Advanced Diver equivalent or higher, 25 + logged dives.

COSTS:

MEMBERSHIP

1. •   TSRCP (Lifetime) & G.U.E. (1 year) Combined Membership Fee = USD $50
   

SUBSISTENCE COSTS (based on 5 days of diving per week):

1. *WHILE OUR CAPITAL EXPENSES ARE FULLY SUBSIDISED BY SCIENTIFIC FUNDING AGENCIES AND THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SPONSORS,  WE ARE NOT ABLE TO COVER THE SUBSISTENCE COSTS LISTED BELOW FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS *
   

2. 
   

3. *10% bursary available for students on thesis/honours projects*
   

4. 
   

1. •  4 weeks or more = PHP ₱ 20,500 per week
   

                               (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates)

1. •  3 weeks = PHP ₱ 22,000 per week
   

                               (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates)

1. •  Less than 3 weeks = PHP ₱ 25,000 per week
   

                               (check XE Universal Currency Convertor for exchange rates) INCLUSIONS:

1. •    Unlimited no-decompression shark diving on Monad Shoal
   

2. •    Accommodation (standard room with fan)
   

3. •    Full Board (food & drink - 3 meals/day x 7 days per week) 
   

4. •    Training:  G.U.E. based Scientific SCUBA Diving
   

5. •    Dedicated research vessel
   

6. •    SCUBA amenities (air, weights)
   

7. •    Use of professional underwater video/still cameras
   

8. ‣   1 x Amphibico, Aquatica A90
   

9. ‣   Sony: SR8
   

10. ‣   Nikon F90 with array of lenses
    

11. ‣   Canon digital
    

12. •    Underwater survey facilities
    

13. ‣   quadrats, transects, housed digital still camera,  slates
    

14. •    Tagging tackle (pending funding)
    

15. •    Field lab amenities (microscope, dissection kit)
    

16. •    Data analysis amenities (computer, video review)
    

17. •    VHF radio
    

18. •    O2 kit
    

19. •    Return boat transfer Maya - Malapascua - Maya 
    

20. •    TSRCP T-shirt
    

21. •    TSRCP biannual Newsletter
    

22. •   5% discount on all purchases and special admission pricing at GUE’s annual   
    

       conference.

1. •     Free online subscription to Quest, GUE's full colour magazine with wide
   

       ranging articles from an international collection of diving, conservation and

       exploration experts. Electronic members may upgrade to our Silver

       membership to receive a full colour printed version of Quest magazine.

1. •    Free subscription to GUE's private mailing list (quest@gue.com). Quest is a
   

       moderated forum which brings together top divers, environmentalists and

       fitness experts from around the world.

1. •     Free access to GUE’s quarterly diver training newsletter; GUE Quest Digest
   

       allows GUE divers to remain current with GUE’s evolving Standards and

       Procedures.

1. •     Free access to GUE training supplements and procedural manuals.
   

2. •     Free access to a GUE Electronic Member video repository, including a
   

       growing list of diving videos, educational clips and interviews presented by

       GUE members and drawn from GUE’s range of global diving projects.

EXCLUSIONS:

1. •    Flights
   

2. •    Insurance
   

3. •    Rental of SCUBA equipment
   

4. •    Vehicle transfers to/from Maya
   

5. •    Visa extensions (for assistants joining us for more than 21 days)
   

6. •    Soft & alcoholic beverages
   

Dates:

1. • We are now recruiting for expeditions running until January 2011.
   

2. *Dates are FLEXIBLE - Volunteers are welcome to join expeditions at THEIR   
   

3. CONVENIENCE
   

1. * For the purpose of maintaining the integrity of training and data acquisition, we do not accept assistants for less than 2 weeks.
   

1. Provisions:
   

2. 
   

3. *Inclement weather will disrupt sea ops from time to time.  Grounded days  due to weather conditions are classified as ‘days grounded due to Acts of God’.  Data analysis and training will replace sea ops during time periods where fieldwork at sea is inaccessible.
   

How to Apply:

Email CV to Alison Beckett

ali@threshersharkproject.org

A.J.Beckett@liverpool.ac.uk

1. *Candidates will be screened and accepted according to interest levels and 
   

2. SCUBA competencies.