Volunteer placement in the Research Aquarium
Overview
We are looking for one or two keen individuals for short-term placements (minimum 3 months) in the Research Aquarium of the MBA. Volunteers would need to be able to work for between 6 – 12 hours a week. Placements would begin from October 2017 for the following 12 months.
About the Research Aquarium
Since first opening in 1888, the Marine Biological Association has had facilities for keeping and studying marine animals. As well as being a vital resource for researchers, the aquarium was also open to the public until 1998. Since then, the facility has undergone several major renovations and has been run solely for research.
The research aquarium today is made up of two recirculating seawater systems with over 70 tanks. Seawater is supplied via a permanent pipeline from Plymouth Sound and is pre-filtered before entering our 145k and 300k liter underground reservoirs, where it is then circulated constantly to the holding tanks in the aquarium rooms. There is a range of large floor-standing tanks, racked tanks and wet benches which are currently used to house a variety of temperate organisms.
About the role
The role will be working as an aquarist, aquarium or animal technician. You will be helping to maintain the facility and care for the animals housed in the aquarium. The work is very physical and hands-on with a little desk based work. It is not a research role and does not involve any data collection. The role is most suited to individuals hoping to pursue a career in animal or aquarium technology, though it will also be valuable to marine biology students planning on conducting research with animals. The placement is voluntary (unpaid) however it will provide valuable training and experience – our two latest volunteers have gone on to secure roles as animal laboratory technicians.
The role involves:
· Preparing food and feeding fish and elasmobranchs (twice a week),
· Collecting specimens from the shore,
· Husbandry of organisms including welfare checks and tank cleaning,
· Checking the seawater systems and aquaria,
· Testing chemical parameters of seawater systems (once a week),
· Maintaining records,
· Maintaining the laboratory in a good state of cleanliness.
Full training will be provided by the head aquarist. Whilst this is not a research role, there will be the opportunity to meet & interact with our researchers and students. You will also have use of the National Marine Biological Library.
About you
No previous experience is required. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, who is able to learn quickly, who takes initiative and enjoys working with a degree of independence.
The main animal feeds occur twice weekly (early and late in the working week) and ideally we would be looking for someone who can cover these feeds (ideally Monday and Friday though Tuesdays and Thursdays would also be possible). We are looking for someone who can volunteer at least one day a week for a minimum of three months.
How to apply
To apply for the position, please send a CV and cover letter to . Please explain why you would like to volunteer and what you hope to gain from the placement as well as any previous or relevant experience and your availability. Successful applicants will be invited to a shadowing session to see what the work will involve. If you have any questions about the role please write to .
Closing date
The closing date for applications is the 2nd of October 2017.