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Pathology Veterinary Student Externship Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology
Sausalito, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 9, 2026
Description
Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Associate Director of Veterinary Pathology, Dr. Maggie Martinez
Program Classification: Seasonal externship/rotation: March 1 – October 30, 2028
Benefits: No benefits
Program Overview
The Pathology Veterinary Student Externship is an opportunity for veterinary students in their final/clinical year to gain experience in marine mammal anatomy and pathology. Pathology Veterinary Student Externs will conduct necropsies and collect postmortem data on our patients and select carcasses, which consist of phocids, otariids, and the occasional cetacean and sea otter. During their time at The Marine Mammal Center, they will become familiar with marine mammal gross necropsy, anatomy and necropsy report writing. There is no clinical/live animal component to this externship.
This program requires a minimum commitment of 3 weeks and maximum of 4 weeks, between March 1 and September 30 of 2028. (All slots for 2027 have been filled).
Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center’s hospital or guest housing. Students who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform gross necropsies and write necropsy reports.
- Learning collection techniques for sampling for histology and other diagnostics as case load allows .
Qualifications and Experience
- DVM student enrolled in end of 3rd year through 4th year (clinical year) of veterinary school.
- Primarily interested in pathology (no clinical interest).
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds within the necropsy laboratory and/or in the field for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
- Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
- Ability to remain in a standing, stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
- Ability to operate a computer and use basic computer programs.
- Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
Work Environment
- Working indoor and in outdoor weather conditions and elements as needed.
- Exposure to sharp instruments, chemicals and needles.
- Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
- Potential exposure to formalin.
- Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
- Involves strong smells associated with deceased animals and the care of animals.
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed
1. Cover letter outlining the applicant's interests and professional goals.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Name, email address, and phone number of two professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.
Application period is open through December 7th, 2026. The selection process will occur in January – February 2027, with notification to applicants to follow by end of February to early March 2027 for the seasonal externship/rotation that will occur within the March 1, 2028 - September 30, 2028, timeframe.
Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address, but please review the information thoroughly prior to contacting: training@tmmc.org