USCB Bioacoustic Spring/Summer Research Experience
Need: Two fish/marine mammal bioacoustic interns for spring and summer 2016.
Organization: Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab at USCB, Dr. Eric Montie, Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Salary: Unpaid internship.
Position Information: 25 hrs minimum per week; Monday through Friday. 30 - 40 hrs per week is preferred. Position is for 6 months from March 1st to August 31st.
Location: This position is located at the University of South Carolina Beaufort at the Bluffton campus. Bluffton, SC is located only 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island, SC. The campus is 10 minutes from the May River and 15 minutes
from the Atlantic Ocean.
About Our Lab: Our research lab strives to understand the sensory and neurobiology of marine organisms. Specifically, we are interested in brain architecture, hearing of fish and marine mammals, and acoustic communication of aquatic
vertebrates. The more applied part of our research program focuses on studies that investigate how natural and man-made stressors impact the brain, hearing, and acoustic communication. These stressors include man-made chemicals, harmful algal blooms, noise
pollution, and climate change. We use techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, auditory evoked potentials, and passive acoustics using long-term monitoring devices. This research involves work on biomedical models such as zebrafish, as well as wild marine
organisms like spotted seatrout, red drum, and bottlenose dolphins.
Duties Include:
(1) Sound production studies with fish and bottlenose dolphins.
(2) Larval and juvenile fish sampling using plankton tows, fyke nets, and beam trawls.
(3) Bottlenose dolphin abundance, distribution, and photo-identification.
(4) Managing our Adopt a Dolphin program.
The internship will focus on analyzing and interpreting previously collected acoustic data using our DSG-Ocean Recorders. In addition, interns will participate in larval and juvenile fish sampling through the
use of plankton tows, fyke nets, and beam trawls. There will be some opportunities for additional field work, including dolphin surveys, as well as deployment and retrieval of stationary and drifting acoustic recorders.
Qualifications: The internship is designed for undergraduates who have recently graduated and are interested in gaining experience in marine bioacoustics. Experience
with Adobe Audition, Excel, and MATLAB preferred. Students in computational science majors are urged to apply. Boat experience is preferred but not mandatory. Evidence of good communication skills through interaction with public is also a bonus. Good organizational
skills are a necessity.
How to Apply: Please email a C.V. with GPA and two reference contacts to Dr. Eric Montie (m("uscb.edu","emontie");">m("uscb.edu","emontie");">).
If you have questions concerning the position, please email or phone (843) 208-8107.
Eric W. Montie
Assistant Professor of Biology
Department of Natural Sciences
University of South Carolina Beaufort
Science and Technology Building
Office: Room 103
Lab: Room 116
One University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
Office Phone: (843) 208-8107
Fax: (843) 208-8294
Email: m("uscb.edu","emontie");">