Recruiting Marine Ecology Summer Interns!

January 16, 2025 Undergraduate internships

Project Title: Understanding the Foraging Ecology of Striped Bass in the Gulf of Maine

Location: Darling Marine Center, Walpole, Maine 04573

Supervisors: Abrielle Remick, M.S. student at UMaine

Principal Investigator: Michelle Staudinger, Associate Professor at the UMaine School of Marine Sciences

Project Summary: The Staudinger Lab is seeking an undergraduate student to assist on a marine ecology research project this summer at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center (DMC). This position is primarily field-based but will also include opportunities for gaining laboratory and data management skills. Applicants working towards or that have recently completed a bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science, preferably Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Fisheries Science, or related field are preferred. UMaine students working on capstone or undergraduate thesis projects are especially encouraged to apply!

The Stunning Darling Marine Center: photo by Abby Remick

Description: Interns will assist a graduate student on collecting new data on the foraging ecology of striped bass and their prey in the Gulf of Maine. Striped bass diet will be characterized across body size, season, and location using a combination of stomach content analysis, stable isotopes as ecological tracers, and energetic condition assays. This field-based position will be conducted in cooperation with recreational anglers and aboard small to medium sized vessels operating in state waters. Hours will vary beyond the normal 9-5 workday and will be dependent on weather and captains schedule. Interns should be able-bodied and willing to work under variable conditions. We encourage those that resonate with adventurous spirits to apply.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with striped bass sampling aboard recreational charter vessels and hook and line fishing from shore
  • Assist with prey surveys using seining and other fisheries sampling techniques
  • Local travel to retrieve samples from partners located along the coast of Maine 
  • Assist with fish dissections
  • Process tissue samples in the lab using established techniques (training will be provided)
  • Data recording, entry, and quality assurance and control
  • Conduct literature reviews
  • Assist with developing outreach materials 
  • Engagement with the recreational fishing community and the public
  • Other related tasks as needed

Qualifications:

  • Experience working on/around small watercraft and a high level of comfort in/around the water
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and withstand long hot/humid or cold/rainy/windy days in the field are necessary
  • Attention to detail, a strong work ethic, the ability to problem solve, organization skills
  • Must possess a valid drivers license in the U.S. and have a vehicle 
  • The ability to work and communicate effectively in both team settings and individually is required. 
  • Positive attitude and adaptable in challenging field situations

Additional Info:

  • Application Deadline: March 15th, 2025
  • Position: Full-time OR part-time paid internship (20-40 hours/week)
  • Duration: 10-12 weeks, possible start and end dates: mid-May to mid-August, 2025
  • Stipend: $16-18/hour depending on prior experience

Housing available on site, rates found HERE

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact info for two references to Abrielle Remick (abrielle.remick@maine.edu) by the application deadline. In your application, please label the subject line of your email: “DMC Staudinger lab summer 2025 internship application”.