Internship contract | Belvaux | 6 Months
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.
The Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment (BIODIV) research group is a multi-talented team of researchers, engineers and technicians innovating the way data is collected in the field to produce time series documenting the spatial and temporal dynamics of living organisms in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. As a national hub at the interface between the scientific community and decision/policy makers in Luxembourg, the BIODIV group is sampling, collecting and analysing data on various types of organisms to assess their changing conservation status and dynamics. The group is also developing and making use of technology-based approaches for data collection and processing, thereby strengthening knowledge and competences on biodiversity monitoring and assessment across the country.
Background and Internship opportunity
NEWTCAM is an innovative underwater camera-trap system designed for automated, non-invasive monitoring of freshwater wildlife, particularly newts and other amphibians. Developed at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), it combines underwater imaging with image-management tools and AI-assisted analysis to support the study of species occurrence, abundance and behaviour (https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.70097). As part of this internship, we propose an experimental study under controlled conditions to assess the reliability of NEWTCAM for estimating the population size of adult great crested newts (Triturus cristatus). To this end, the intern will compare population size estimates obtained from NEWTCAM images with those obtained from a traditional survey method (amphibian funnel traps).
How will you contribute?
With this 6-month internship, we are looking for an intern to help us carry out this experiment. The intern will actively participate in field data collection and undertake the following tasks:
Setting up the experiment
Weekly capture of great crested newts using funnel traps and photographing each individual’s ventral pattern;
Maintaining the NEWTCAMs and retrieving the images;
Processing the images and identifying individuals;
Conducting statistical analyses for population size estimations.
To broaden their professional experience, the intern will also be invited to participate in other field and laboratory activities of the BIODIV group. The tasks of the intern will be carried out in close collaboration with the team involved in these activities and under the coordination of the internship supervisor.
Scientific questions and specific objectives will be defined together with the intern at the beginning of the internship. At the end of the internship, the intern will produce a scientific report describing the materials and methods used as well as the results of the analyses and tasks implemented.
Is your profile described below? Are you our future trainee? Apply now!
Education
Detailed information:
Duration of 6 month
Expected start: February 2027
Workload: 40 hours/week
Training:
Master student in ecology, biodiversity conservation or natural resource management (non-exhaustive list), with a strong interest in herpetology.
You must be enrolled in an educational programme in which the traineeship is a compulsory part of the curriculum. Please note that applications that do not meet this requirement are not eligible.
Experience and skills:
Field experience with biodiversity data collection in the field
Skills in identifying amphibians and/or freshwater invertebrates would be an asset
An interest in image and video processing for specimen identification and individual recognition
Sense of organization and ability to prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Good interpersonal skills, including communication, team spirit and a collaborative mindset
Language skills
Fluency in English or French, both oral and written.
Your LIST benefits
An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays
Apply online
Your application must include:
A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.
Application procedure and conditions
We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.