Research Internships in Marine Conservation (Philippines)

Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) offers research-oriented internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as early-career researchers, seeking applied experience in tropical marine ecology and conservation science.

MCP is a Philippines-based nonprofit organization engaged in the study and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems. Its work integrates ecological monitoring, marine protected area (MPA) assessment, and community-based conservation, with a strong emphasis on generating data to inform management and policy.

Interns are embedded within ongoing research and conservation programs and contribute to the implementation of field-based scientific work. Responsibilities vary depending on the specific role and project cycle, but may include:

• Participation in standardized coral reef monitoring (e.g., benthic and fish surveys)
• Collection and management of ecological field data
• Assistance with data processing, analysis, and interpretation
• Contribution to research outputs, including reports and technical documents
• Support for community engagement activities linked to conservation outcomes

Internships are designed to provide practical exposure to field methodologies commonly used in tropical marine research, while situating this work within the broader context of conservation management in the Philippines. You will actively take on a role where you are trying to answer a research question the organization is working on.

• Participation in standardized coral reef monitoring (e.g., benthic and fish surveys)
• Collection and management of ecological field data
• Assistance with data processing, analysis, and interpretation
• Contribution to research outputs, including reports and technical documents
• Support for community engagement activities linked to conservation outcomes

Internships are designed to provide practical exposure to field methodologies commonly used in tropical marine research, while situating this work within the broader context of conservation management in the Philippines.

Candidate profile:

Applicants typically have an academic background in marine biology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related discipline. You may be enrolled in current studies, and can do this internship as part of this. The program is best suited to individuals who:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in applied conservation science
• Are prepared for field-based work in tropical conditions
• Possess a high degree of initiative, adaptability, and attention to detail
• Are capable of working both independently and as part of a research team

Program structure:

Internship positions are offered periodically throughout the year in alignment with MCP’s research and project cycles. Placements typically involve a structured combination of fieldwork, training, and supervised research support.

Program structure:

Internship positions are offered periodically throughout the year in alignment with MCP’s research and project cycles. Placements typically involve a structured combination of fieldwork, training, and supervised research support.

While the internship is not a formal academic program, it is well suited to students seeking to complement academic study with field experience or to support thesis or dissertation research where appropriate.

Application process:

As specific roles, start dates, and requirements vary, applicants should consult the MCP website for the most current information:

https://marineconservationphilippines.org/internship/academic-internship/