Fish otoliths from Mediterranean death assemblages

Otoliths are incremental structures in the inner ear of marine fishes that facilitate sound and balance perception. The morphology of otoliths enable species level identification. Otoliths are very common in surficial sea bottom sediments and are an important tool for reconstructing the baselines before major human impacts and thus to quantify ecosystem change.

Interns will pick otoliths from sediment samples obtained from different areas in the Mediterranean and learn to segregate and identify them into major taxonomic units, count their abundances, and photograph and measure them with a computerized stereomicroscope.

Language requirements: 
English. German is not required.
Specific competences required : 
Interest in fishes, ability to work at the stereomicroscope for long hours, basic computer skills, Microsoft Office.
Safety issues: 
No issues.
Accommodation possibilities : 
Vienna has multiple options including student dormitories and the rental of rooms/apartments. I can put you in contact with previous students to get more detailed information. The university does not provide accommodation directly.
Additional costs to be covered by the student: 
No
COVID-19 contingency plan: 
The internship can be conducted only on-site.
format: 
on-site