What we do?
Ocean Park accepts local and international students to join its research internship and volunteer programme. The Park’s ex-situ conservation efforts focus on various aspects of dolphin cognition and perceptions that are keys to the survival of the species. Our studies are designed to investigate the mechanism and ontogenesis of dolphin echolocation, shape perception and target localisation through sound. Our cognitive experiments focus on the dolphins’ ability of problem solving, associative learning as well as on mutualistic and altruistic cooperation. These projects include several pilot studies on the interdisciplinary filed of biology, physiology, phycology and engineering.
How to get involved?
Applications are not restricted from the above-mentioned fields. The selection is based on both academic results and extracurricular merits, but most importantly on the candidates’ dedication and self-motivation.
We have fulltime (5 days/week) and part-time (min. 1.5 days/week) On-site volunteer positions and Off-site positions for Behavioural and Acoustic data analysists. All positions are unpaid with a minimum commitment of 3-months. Successful candidates receive specific training according to the assigned positions.
What will You learn?
- Learn what it takes to work in the field of research
- Hands on experience with experimental setup and data analysis
- Understanding of dolphin physiology and behaviour
- Team work, coordination and independent responsibilities
- Research planning and execution
- Research communication
- Basic foundation for your future career
Qualifications and requirements
On-site volunteers:
- Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn
- Good oral/written communication skills in English
- Basic computer knowledge
- Able to work independently as well as in a team
- Must be responsible for food, accommodation and transportation
- Past experience with animals is desirable
- Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations
Off-site working volunteers – Behavioural data analysist:
- Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn
- Self-motivation
- Good oral/written communication skills in English
- Computer knowledge: Excel, Word, QuickTime Player 7
- The ideal candidate will have strong attention to details and ability to work precisely and accurately
- Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations
Off-site working volunteers – Acoustic data analysist:
- Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn
- Self-motivation
- Good oral/written communication skills in English
- Basic programming knowledge
- Experience with MATLAB and Audacity
- The ideal candidate will have strong attention to details and ability to work precisely and accurately
- Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations
How to apply?
To apply please submit the following (same for all positions):
- Statement of Interest
- Period of Availability
- Preferred Position
- Academic Records
- Letters of Reference
- Curriculum Vitae
Starting date: September 2019
Please send applications to Ms Eszter Matrai, eszter.matrai@oceanpark.com.hk with “Dolphin Research Volunteer” in the subject line.
Research Department
Ocean Park Corporation