Research Assistant - Puerto Princesa

Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)

Fixed-term insertion contract
Localisation Puerto Princesa, Philippines
No remote
From 0 to 10 yrs of exp.
Posted on 02-12-2026

Description of the mission

LAMAVE is looking for a Research Assistant (RA) to join our Whale Shark Research and Conservation Project to carry out field research on whale shark ecology. A primary component of this role involves conducting in-water surveys from both pumpboats and tourist vessels to assess population dynamics, seasonal distribution, and habitat use; monitor whale shark tourism compliance; and collaborate with the local stakeholders for the sustainable management of the whale shark tourism operations in the province of Palawan.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting the Project Leader in running the research base and ensuring that research goals are achieved in accordance with LAMAVE standards. They will support the Project Leader with project/house management and operations, management of international and local volunteers, and data management and analysis. They will be involved in communicating and engaging with the local community and stakeholders in meetings and consultations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Science

  • Provide support to the Project Leader in the diligent and accurate collection, encoding, validation, and organisation of scientific data;
  • Assist in the process and analysis of collected data;
  • Collaborate with the Project Leader and Program Manager on the preparation of reports and scientific publications;
  • Assist in the preparation, coordination, and documentation of training manuals; and
  • Report project outcomes and/or risks to the Project Leader

Management

  • Maintain and organize field / research equipment;
  • Assists in managing the project's financial accounting, as necessary;
  • Assists the Project Leader in training the volunteer researchers to conduct in-water surveys;
  • Assists in managing the project field house, including coordinating volunteer activities and monitoring volunteer work and performance;
  • Supports the Project Leader in the organisation of the fieldwork site

Outreach and Engagement

  • Assist in building and maintaining relationships with the local government and the community with the highest level of professionalism.
  • Facilitates and assists in focus group discussions (FGD) with the local community and relevant stakeholders;

Profile

Requirements Essential:

  • Filipino citizen
  • A degree in Marine Sciences, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field and/or relevant working experience
  • Fluent in Tagalog and English
  • Physically fit enough to:
  • Spend a minimum of 5 hours daily standing on a boat under direct sun exposure
  • Swimming in the open ocean for 300m several times a day while observing the wildlife
  • Ability to freedive to at least 7 m
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft 365 software- Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Google Workspace suites of apps.
  • Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to plan, balance, and cope with competing priorities
  • Ability to solve problems and takes initiative in problem-solving and project management
  • Comfortable with living in a shared house with basic amenities and rotating doing household chores (cooking, cleaning, etc.)

Desirable:

  • Fluent in Bisaya
  • Competent in the use of QGIS and R software
  • Knowledge or experience in community organization and/or social sciences
  • Previous experience working with an NGO
  • Strong passion for marine conservation
  • Flexible and adaptable to project needs

Click here to apply

Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)

To protect marine megafauna in SEA, by investing in local people, building ocean leaders, and providing science-based tools to support the sustainable management of marine resources

More information
  • Website
  • Nonprofit organization
  • Between 50 and 250 employees
  • Others
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