Internship - Nuclear Insights into Ocean Alkalinity

Organizational Context

The IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (NAML) comprise three laboratories utilizing nuclear and isotopic techniques to address marine environmental impacts. The Radioecology Laboratory specifically focuses on coastal and marine ecological challenges, including biomagnification, ocean acidification, and carbon cycling, often within future climate-change scenarios. It also hosts the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to investigate the ecological impacts of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) on marine organisms using radiotracer techniques. OAE, a method for atmospheric carbon removal by adding alkaline substances to seawater, has poorly understood ecological consequences. The intern will conduct laboratory studies at the Radioecology Laboratory in Monaco, assessing how these chemical stressors affect coastal ecosystems and marine life. A key focus will be understanding the combined effects of alkalinity changes and impurities, such as trace metals, which can bioaccumulate in marine organisms.

Responsibilities

The intern will support the development of experimental protocols using nuclear techniques to assess the impacts of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement on marine biota. This includes assisting in controlled laboratory experiments to monitor the bioaccumulation of metals from alkaline materials and contributing to the evaluation of physiological changes in marine organisms due to altered seawater alkalinity. Maintaining accurate records of experimental data and laboratory observations under researcher supervision is also a key duty.

Work Experience

While specific work experience is not explicitly detailed, the role requires the ability to conduct experiments using aquaria and marine organisms, and to work with them. Experience in handling datasets and generating graphic data analysis products is considered an asset.

Skills

Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential. Fluency in another IAEA official language is an asset. Strong analytical skills and the ability to articulate, conceptualize, plan, and execute ideas are desirable.

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