Internship – Nuclear Insights into Ocean Alkalinity

Overview

Contribute to applied research on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement and marine ecology.

You have:

• University Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental sciences, Radioecology, Ecology or a related field.
• Knowledge in marine biology, ability to conduct experiments using aquaria and marine organisms.
• Good knowledge of Environmental changes, Radioecology, Marine Biology. Chemistry or Biochemistry.
• Experience in handling datasets and generating graphic data analysis products is an asset.
• Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree.
• Fluency in English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset.

Duration

6 months

Internships

The IAEA accepts a limited number of interns each year. The internships are awarded to persons studying towards a university degree or who have recently received a degree (see Internship web pages for further details).

The purpose of the programme is:

• To provide interns with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in line with their studies or interests, and expose them to the work of the IAEA and the United Nations as a whole;
• To benefit the IAEA's programmes through the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

The duration of an internship is normally not less than three months and not more than one year.

Organizational Setting

The Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (NAML) comprises three separate laboratories that together constitute the IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratories. They use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand and propose mitigation strategies and tools for the environmental impacts of radionuclides, trace elements and organic contaminants, as well as climate change, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

The Radioecology Laboratory uses state-of-the-art nuclear and isotopic techniques to address Member States' most important coastal and marine ecological challenges and needs. These include studies on biomagnification, ocean acidification, carbon cycling, seafood safety and biotoxins, often in the context of future climate-change scenarios. It hosts the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre.

Main Purpose

The primary objective of this internship is to develop and conduct laboratory studies investigating the impact of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) on marine organisms using radiotracer techniques. As a potential solution for atmospheric carbon removal, OAE involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to enhance the ocean's natural carbon sink; however, the ecological consequences of this approach remain poorly understood. Based at the IAEA's Radioecology Laboratory (REL) in Monaco, the intern will contribute to applied research assessing how these environmental shifts and chemical stressors influence coastal ecosystems and associated biota. A major challenge of OAE is that alkaline materials often contain impurities, such as trace metals, which can bioaccumulate in marine life. Consequently, this internship will also focus on how the combined effects of these impurities and increased alkalinity impact marine organisms.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Support in the development of experimental protocols using nuclear techniques to evaluate the impacts of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement on marine biota.
• Assist in conducting controlled laboratory experiments to monitor the bioaccumulation of metals associated with alkaline materials.
• Contribute to the assessment of physiological changes in marine organisms resulting from variations in seawater alkalinity.
• Help maintain accurate records of experimental data and laboratory observations under the supervision of the lead researchers.

Qualifications and Experience

• University Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental sciences, Radioecology, Ecology or a related field.
• Knowledge in marine biology, ability to conduct experiments using aquaria and marine organisms.
• Ability to work with marine organisms and aquaria.
• Good knowledge of Environmental changes, Radioecology, Marine Biology. Chemistry or Biochemistry.
• Experience in handling datasets and generating graphic data analysis products is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to articulate, conceptualize, plan and execute ideas is an asset.

Applicant Eligibility

• Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree.
• Candidates may apply up to one year after the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree.
• Candidates must not have previously participated in the IAEA's internship programme.
• Good written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset.
• Candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: iaea.org