Applications are open for two at-sea on-board training opportunities for candidates from developing States, Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The placements are being provided by Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) in accordance with its obligations under its contracts for exploration for polymetallic nodules (PMN) with ISA.

The at-sea on-board training will take place on board one of Ifremer’s research vessels for a duration of approximately 45 days (including mobilization and demobilization) between the end of 2024 (at this stage the mobilization is envisioned in December 2024) and Quarter 1 of 2025. The exact dates will be confirmed based on the ship’s scheduling.

The objective of the at-sea on-board training is to provide practical experience about polymetallic nodules exploration cruises and activities related to the environmental baseline studies. The activities will include:

• Processing of sediment cores, including cutting cores in depth layers; Sieving each depth layer and sorting Meiofauna (and potentially Macrofauna) samples;
• Preserving samples.

As a minimum requirement, candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree-level education (preferably in natural sciences) and should be enrolled in a first master’s level course (or equivalent) in biology, preferably in marine biology, biodiversity and ecology or molecular biosciences.

Candidates should have at least one year of work experience in the relevant field. Experience in sorting of meiofauna samples would be highly desirable.

In addition, candidates must be proficient in either French or English (both written and spoken).

Applications by qualified candidates should be received no later than 9 February 2024.