2023 Lobster Ecology and Industry Internships
2023 Lobster Ecology & Industry Internships
The Wahle Lab and Lobster Institute are seeking two undergraduate students to assist in marine science research projects this summer at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center (DMC). All applicants must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science, preferably Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Fishery Science, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in the marine sciences. All interns will be expected to participate in weekly lab meetings with the research team. On occasion, hours may extend beyond the standard 8-hour work day. The interns will be dividing time between research related tasks as part of the Deepwater Lobster Settlement project and other research projects, and Lobster Institute tasks.
Deepwater Lobster Settlement (Website)
Description: This science-industry partnership aims to evaluate the relationship between bottom temperature gradients and the depth-wise distribution of newly settled and older juvenile lobster along the Maine coast. Vessel-deployed lobster postlarval collectors are placed in a random stratified design in coordination with Maine DMR’s current ventless trap monitoring across 3 depth strata in the oceanographically contrasting east and west segments of Maine’s coast. The paired sampling approach enables us to evaluate the influence of temperature gradients on the nursery potential of the seabed for new settlers and movements by older lobsters.
Responsibilities: The interns will be tasked with assisting with the preparation, deployment, and retrieval of lobster collectors at sea. The interns will also be responsible for data recording and entry. With approval of UMaine’s Dive Safety Officer, certified divers will have the opportunity to become an AAUS-certified scientific diver in-training, depending on interest and qualifications, and may participate in SCUBA-based collection/field experiments of lobsters.
Qualifications: The ability to work and communicate effectively in both team settings and individually is required. Strong applicants will have experience working on/around small watercraft and a high level of comfort in/around the water. A positive attitude and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds and withstand long hot/humid or cold/rainy/windy days in the field is necessary.
The Lobster Institute (Website)
Description: Since 1987, the Lobster Institute has been a center of discovery, innovation and outreach at the University of Maine. Its mission is to promote, conduct and communicate research focused on the sustainability of the American lobster fishery in the US and Canada. The Institute also provides technical and educational outreach, disseminates research findings in understandable and accessible ways, and convenes conferences and workshops to engage stakeholders in solving challenges faced by this iconic fishery.
Responsibilities: This work will involve working with spreadsheets, researching news updates, creating social media posts, assistance with outreach events, updating web content and various office related tasks.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have experience with data entry in Excel, experience with WordPress webpage editor or other software, and experience with social media content creation. Additionally, we seek an intern with excellent attention to detail, strong work ethic, the ability to problem solve, organization skills, and an interest in outreach.
Additional information:
- Location: Laboratory of Dr. Richard Wahle [Website],University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center, Walpole, Maine 04573
- Application Deadline: March 3, 2023.
- Position: Full-time paid intern, receiving a stipend of $600/week (equivalent to $15/hour and 40 hours a week) depending on experience, housing may be partially or fully covered from May 22 to 17 August 2023.
- Housing: Housing is expected to be provided at the Darling Marine Center dormitory, provided staffing and space allows.
How to Apply: Please send a letter of interest, CV, and two references to Kristyn Kleman (kristyn.kleman@maine.edu).