Internships in Microplastics &
Climate Change Research
Archipelagos’ microplastic and climate change research internships offer the opportunity to join year-round field and lab efforts focused on investigating the extent and effects of plastic pollution and changing ocean conditions in the Aegean Sea. Despite the Mediterranean being among the most plastic-polluted seas globally, large data gaps remain, particularly in the eastern basin. Our research addresses these gaps by quantifying microplastics in water, sediment, and marine life, while also monitoring ocean acidification and other climate-related shifts in marine conditions. Interns contribute to field sampling, laboratory analysis, and related environmental policy and public outreach efforts to support science-based marine conservation.
Key Projects
Collection and analysis of marine sediment samples in order to quantify the microplastic distribution among various levels of stratification and in differing environments. This is carried out in order to better understand the mechanism of vertical deposition of microplastics in Aegean marine environments.
Assessment of microplastics in surface waters carried out using plankton net or manta net. This research analyses seasonal and spatial patterns of microplastic contamination across sample regions.
Assessing the abundance of plastics and microplastics in marine habitats nearby wastewater outlets. Through targeted sampling, the abundance and distribution of microplastic fibres is assessed in various levels of marine habitats.
Quantification of macro- and micro-plastic in the gastrointestinal tracts of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles found along the eastern Aegean coastline. Microplastic fibres and fragments are extracted and identified through microscopy and samples are sent to university laboratories for further analysis, eg. FTIR.
Monitoring the impacts of climate change on the Aegean Sea through long-term observation of key oceanographic parameters. Research focuses on tracking shifts in seawater chemistry, including ocean acidification, temperature, and salinity, using data collected and analyzed through our onboard laboratories
Through investigation of various brands and samples, our laboratory team aims to provide data on the concerning abundance of microplastics entering commercial foods. Two primary sample cases include table salt and fish meal.
Assessing the abundance of microplastic pollution from the laundering of synthetic textiles. Through examination of washing machine contents and outputs, our microplastic researchers assess the extent of effectiveness that microfiber filters have on mitigating the release of plastic pollution from washing machine outputs.
Assessment of the role of seagrass meadows as a sink for microplastics. For this project samples are collected from seagrass meadows in various locations and depths. Samples are processed and analysed in the lab, as well as sent to university laboratories for further analysis, eg. FTIR.
Background
Over the last few decades, marine pollution and climate change have emerged as critical threats to the health of our oceans and the biodiversity they support. As the Aegean Sea is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, understanding the impacts of both plastic pollution and broader chemical and physical changes is essential. Archipelagos’ research team works to provide scientific data in support of conservation action, focusing on microplastic contamination, pollution monitoring, and the effects of climate-driven changes such as ocean acidification. Using both our land-based and onboard laboratories, we analyse samples from sea surface water, deep water, sediment, Posidonia oceanica, and marine organisms to investigate the distribution of pollutants and assess ecosystem vulnerability across different habitats.
Your Role
The internship will consist of both fieldwork and laboratory work, although this heavily depends on the type of project and samples. You will be able to assist or lead the activities in fieldwork in order to obtain samples and execute proper laboratory protocols and statistical data analysis. Even though we are open to accepting new ideas and projects we try to maintain our line of research, however, we accept different proposals if this is properly planned with anticipation, due to the tight laboratory schedule and consumable availability. We often evaluate the proposals in collaboration with our interns’ universities if there exists the possibility to create some relationship to execute further analysis such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. You will be offered the ability to work in a general intern role collaborating on current research topics, or in a specialized intern role contributing to one pre-defined project.
What we offer
We offer an internship at an inspiring institute with experts on applied conservation. You have the opportunity to collect data for writing a thesis, scientific publications or increasing your skill set. Internships normally range from 3 – 12 months, although shorter or longer internship periods may be arranged on a case by case basis . As Archipelagos is a non-profit organisation, the internships we offer are unpaid. Students, recent graduates and researchers are advised to search for possible funding through their universities, via their International Office/ Placement/ Erasmus+ Offices at their Universities or other relevant grant providing organizations in their region, to cover their travel and living costs.
Technical Skills
- Working towards or completion of a relevant scientific degree
- Previous experience in the laboratory activity
- Previous experience in microscope analysis (preferred)
- Previous experience in microplastic/or water quality analysis (preferred)
- Previous experience in fieldwork (preferred)
- Knowledge in the application of statistics, with some experience in a programming language such as R or Python.
Other Skills
- Fluency in English
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment
- Motivation to live in remote places with simple facilities
- Sincere desire to work towards Archipelagos’ conservation efforts
To apply for this internship click ‘Apply Now!’ and follow subsequent steps! For any questions please contact our admissions team
at – admissions@archipelago.gr – and we will get back to you within 2 working days.
