Frequently Asked Questions

There are no official requirements for the internship (aside from being 18 or over), however the recruitment team is looking to hire positive and enthusiastic individuals that can thrive in a unique working environment. Candidates must have exceptional communication skills in order to excel at the Shark Lab in the dormitory style living. We accept volunteers with no prior field experience and in the early stages of their scientific career, all the way up to individuals that have completed their studies.

The intern recruitment team will invite a small group of shortlisted applicants to interview around 2-3 weeks after the application deadline (allowing us time to thoroughly review each application). Decisions are usually made within a week following the interview, with up to 5 positions available. Recruiting volunteers is a rigorous process, and the internship is highly competitive.

Internship periods will be announced on social media with an open application window of approximately 4 weeks for each seasonal intake period. If applications are marked as CLOSED, please look on the Internship Information page to see when the application window will reopen.

Our start and end dates are fixed to enable a smooth running of the Lab. Once dates have been selected, accepted interns will need to be available from start to finish dates.

Unfortunately, due to the investment of time and effort into training new arrivals, we require all interns to stay for a minimum of two months. We believe it takes this amount of time for an intern to become settled into their role and to learn necessary skills and techniques.

In most cases, it is rare that you will be able to extend your internship as our intern positions are confirmed months in advance. We will be flexible when we can, but it is best not to plan your trip under the assumption you can prolong your stay in Bimini. Note that your performance as an intern will be assessed before automatic acceptance for another period.

This would be determined on a case by case basis and would be discussed if you are selected for an interview. It's important to note that the Shark Lab's schedule would need to be the priority during the internship period, and any classwork or assignments would need to be completed after dinner when the "work day" is completed. Keep in mind the station has a very dynamic schedule and the end of the “work day” is always subject to change.

Yes, we are excited to offer new scholarship opportunities. Please see the Internship Information page for details. You must fill out the Scholarships section of your application form to be considered.

After arriving in Bimini, all volunteers will be provided with training to allow them to effectively and safely undertake field work. This will include the following classes:

First Aid basics (not a certifiable course)

Map class and orientation of Bimini’s landmarks and the surrounding waters

Boat safety and knot tying

Fishing & fish ID

Radio & GPS use

Data recording

Shark ‘work-ups’ demonstration

You will also sit in on lectures about the Station’s current and past research, among other topics.

During research trips to the Florida Keys, interns will assist the Shark Lab Research Team with shark workups and data collection. Taking samples, dart tagging, or any physical contact with a shark will be at the discretion of the Research Team.

The Shark Lab is located in a former Police barracks, and Doc designed the lab to imitate a research vessel. There are five cabins, (each with two sets of bunk beds), two bathrooms, and a communal kitchen and dining area. The Lab is very much dormitory style living, with up to 20 people sharing the quarters at any one time.

When possible rooms are allocated by gender, however this is not always possible so we appreciate your flexibility and understanding. There are usually four people/room.