Undergraduate researchers are vital to the functioning of our research in the field and the lab. We are dedicated to advancing the knowledge of marine ecology and generating opportunities for students in the field. The majority of our active research occurs during the summer field season. We are a fast-paced and highly collaborative research team during this time, striving to develop a welcoming collegiate atmosphere.
The Peterson Marine Community Ecology Lab is seeking to interview and select eight to ten (8 – 10) highly motivated volunteer research assistants and three to five (3-5) paid research assistants for summer 2023. They will work on several dissertation and monitoring projects (for more information, see our website at https://you.stonybrook.edu/theawesomepeterson/projects/). The topics we study range from climate change, coastal community restoration, and offshore habitat utilization. Research hours can be used towards research credit or internship hours with Dr. Bradley Peterson (MAR 487 and MAR 488).
Volunteers will be asked to commit at least two days per week from late May/June through August. Paid assistants will require four to five days a week. The exact start and end dates are negotiable.
We look for people who are comfortable and enjoy being outdoors, especially in the field on boats and in the water. Volunteers should be in good physical shape and enjoy hands-on work. The ability to swim is a requirement; dive certification is recommended for fieldwork. All divers will be required to complete AAUS certification’s online course previous to the agreed upon start date.
Looking to dive in the future but have yet to complete the proper training? Check out the courses offered through the scientific diving program at Stony Brook University.
We understand that field experience in the natural sciences is an issue of access therefore we encourage underrepresented students who are interested in our work to apply. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis, with the bulk of decisions being made in early April.
If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Plessis-Belair (Lucy.Plessis-Belair@stonybrook.edu).