Applied GIS and Remote Sensing Internship in Greece

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Through research expeditions with the "Aegean Explorer", as well with the analysis of satellite data, Archipelagos GIS interns collect and analyse various spatial data with the purpose of generating outputs such as species and habitat mapping and vulnerability modelling.

This internship will consist of both fieldwork at sea and office work, which will provide interns with a valuable skill set in data collection using an array of scientific tools, data analysis, and report writing for a professional career in marine conservation and environmental management.

Research is conducted during boat-based surveys and kayak-based surveys, while interns are also welcome to join and assist in snorkelling-based surveys.

During these surveys, interns assist in the data collection for ongoing research projects, including:

• The mapping of seagrass meadows through boat-based surveys, using an array of scientific equipment including single- and multi-beam sonar aboard the 'Aegean Explorer’
• The mapping of seagrass meadows through cost-efficient kayak-based methods using single beam sonar
• Producing GIS maps of seagrass meadow distribution, combining data collected using kayak- and boat-based methods. The maps produced are used to ensure these habitats are accurately represented, so that planning decisions are properly informed.
• The mapping of coralligenous assemblages through boat-based surveys using the multibeam sonar and the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) aboard our research vessel 'Aegean Explorer’
• Creating various species and habitat distribution models with presence/absence and environmental variables (marine and terrestrial)
• Vulnerability assessments of terrestrial as well as marine habitats and species
• Exploring and developing new technologies in the Copernicus program with Sentinel-2 and 3 satellites for terrestrial and marine observation (e.g. detecting marine litter gyres in the ocean, monitoring daily environmental conditions on species presence, detecting land change etc.)

These projects provide technical and applied GIS research opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students and for other early career researchers looking to gain experience. Participants have the opportunity to collect data for producing a thesis and scientific publications or Interns have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects (you can view Archipelagos researchers' scientific publications that interns contributed to, here). This internship provides skills and expertise in applied marine research that are valuable for a professional career in spatial data analysis, remote-sensing and marine ecosystem management.

This internship program is available to applicants who have completed at least one year of college or university studies in marine, environmental, geographical and/or related sciences. Experience in QGIS or other geo-analytic software (ESRI ArcGIS, SAGA, GRASS) and knowledge of remote sensing software packages (e.g. SNAP, ErDAS, ENVI, BEAM, eCognition) is also required.

Applicants must be able to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, multicultural, multidisciplinary team.

Internship duration normally ranges between 3 - 12 months, although shorter or longer internship periods may be arranged to cover the needs of groups or individuals.

Archipelagos’ research bases and stations are in the Eastern Aegean Sea, on the islands of Samos and Lipsi as well as onboard the research vessels. Interns often move between research bases and boats depending on where the surveys will take place.

As a non-profit research institute, the internships we offer are unpaid. This educational/research experience requires a monthly fee of 650 euro to cover living expenses, the cost of training, use of research equipment and travelling with the research vessels, use of the office facilities, as well as insurance.

For internships of less than 3 months in duration the participation fees are raised to 780 euro per month.

Students and recent graduates and researchers are advised to search for possible funding through their universities, by getting in touch with the International Office/ Placement/ Erasmus+ Offices at their Universities or other relevant grant providing organizations in their region.

To apply, please send your motivation letter, your CV, a copy of your resume, cover letter and one reference letter (if available) to admissions@archipelago.gr