Title: Geneticist (Student)

Position: Student Service Contractor

Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Location: La Crosse, WI

Hourly Rate of Pay: $18.78-26.03 (depending on current academic level and experience)

Duration: minimum 6 months, can be extended up to 2 years

Project Description: The USGS provides scientific support to agencies and partners to help monitor invasive species as well as native communities of conservation concern. The USGS requires help for molecular ecology projects including, but not limited to, eRNA development and sequencing for invasive carp, metabarcoding of multiple native communities, and point-of-use eDNA development. The projects will be in support of informing natural resource management actions to prevent invasive species spread, control existing invasive species populations, and monitor or mitigate effects on native species communities.

Services to be Provided: The student or recent graduate hire will be expected to help primarily with genomic library preparation for high throughput sequencing for both DNA and RNA, DNA/RNA extraction, and some assay development/validation.  Some assistance with data analysis and report or presentation generation may also be requested. There may be occasional opportunities for field collection if of interest.

Qualifications: Completion of at least 1 year college-level coursework in genetics, molecular biology, molecular ecology, or closely related field. Experience in the laboratory with DNA extraction, PCR, genomic library preparation or similar techniques, with the ideal candidate having prior experience with environmental DNA. Careful attention to detail and demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently in a laboratory setting.

Required Documents: Cover Letter: brief letter describing interest in position. CV: include contact information, as well as relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and contact information for three references. Unofficial undergraduate transcripts.

Eligibility: Students are eligible if they have graduated but received a college/university degree less than 12 months ago and are at least 18 years of age. Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USGS employees, their spouses, and their children are not eligible to participate in this program.

Notice: Students are paid for each hour worked. Students will be working as independent contractors and do not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Additionally, students are paid only for hours worked (with no holiday or personal leave benefits). Students do earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Pay Rates for students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare. This announcement is to fill one vacancy.

Application materials and questions about the position can be sent to Stephen Spear, sfspear@usgs.gov.

We are developing a novel weed control method using electricity. This project will further develop and evaluate the tool for weed control in vineyards. The MS student will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in weed science, soil science, agronomy, viticulture, soil microbial ecology, and even electrical engineering (if desired). The project will be based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the main campus of New Mexico State University (nmsu.edu).

Funding is $28,384.56 annually for two years. Addition compensation will be provided to cover tuition and health insurance.

If interested, please email Dr. Erik Lehnhoff ASAP at lehnhoff@nmsu.edu, providing a brief CV, GRE scores (if available), IELTS or TOEFL scores (international students), and contact information for two references. Reply by March 31 for full consideration.

Title: M.S. Assistantship – Vernal Pool and Seep Wetland Mapping in Eastern Oklahoma

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Start Date: January 1, 2027

Position Description: A 2-year graduate research assistantship for a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management is available with Dr. Bryan Murray at Oklahoma State University to map vernal pools and seep wetlands in southeastern Oklahoma. Vernal pools and seep wetlands are vital fishless ecosystems providing seasonal habitats that sustain amphibians and macroinvertebrates of high conservation concern. The student will develop, assess, and refine a mapping framework to identify vernal pools and seep wetlands using geospatial modeling, remotely sensed data, and ground truthing. This mapping framework will advance conservation planning for ephemeral wetlands and species of greatest conservation need in the region.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, ecology, earth science, geography, or a related field, undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0, and a valid driver’s license are required. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in studying the application of cutting-edge mapping techniques to support conservation planning. Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong quantitative and analytical skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and balancing lab/field work with office responsibilities are necessary.

Salary and Benefits: $24,000/year, resident and non-resident tuition waiver, and health insurance at $25 per month (for student only; family coverage is available for an additional fee).

Application Procedure: Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for 3 professional references to the e-mail addresses below. All information must be in a single PDF with the cover letter at the beginning, followed by resume/CV, then references. Please name the file using the following format: last name_first name_OSU2027.

Contact:

Dr. Bryan Murray: bryan.murray@okstate.edu

Institutional Information: Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.  Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

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The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a Massachusetts non-profit organization focused on the protection, restoration and sustainable use and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. We are seeking a full-time Research Associate to support our water quality monitoring efforts. The in-person position will be based out of our Marion Science and Field Operations Center.

The Research Associate’s primary responsibility will be supporting the Coalition’s bay-wide water quality monitoring program, focusing on continuous loggers and data management. The position combines data management and analysis, fieldwork, lab work, and coordination of monitoring activities conducted by year-round and seasonal staff. The Research Associate will oversee and aid in deploying, retrieving, calibrating, cleaning, and maintaining continuous water quality sensors at 20+ locations around Buzzards Bay and on Martha’s Vineyard. The Research Associate will work with and oversee data management, quality assurance, and processing, including statistical analysis and data visualization. The position also supports discrete water quality monitoring, salt marsh monitoring, and a variety of rotating funded projects.

Full job description and details on how to apply available at:  https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/job-opportunities/

Application review will begin April 2, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

• Office of Sustainability Hiring Fall Interns

The Office of Sustainability is hiring a new cohort of undergraduate student interns. These $17.50/hr paid internships provide excellent work experience, hone leadership skills, and set students up for success in environmental positions after graduating. Positions are 10 hours per week and will begin Fall ’26. Interns deal with all kinds of sustainability topics – from energy use to environmental communications. All majors welcome!

Apply by 11:59pm on April 26

Must be a current first-year or a second-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UConn

DETAILS + APPLICATION HERE

For more information, contact: Betsy Mortensen at sustainability@uconn.edu

Tick Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Tick Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and creating a tick urban surveillance system (TUSS) intended to inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting tick collection and identification, general field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct field collections of ticks in a variety of NYC and Long Island
  greenspaces
* Conduct data collection
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)
* Work as a part of a field crew of 3-4 people
* Engage with the park-going public and answer questions about our work

What you will bring:
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island
* Previous field experience is preferred but not required

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.).

Compensation: $22.50/hour.

To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.

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Avian Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Avian Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting avian sampling (including mist-netting, IDing, banding, processing, and blood collection), general field research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Participate in avian point counts
* Conduct avian banding surveys using mist nets
* Collect and process avian biological samples
* Collect and process bird-attached ticks
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
  and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of 3-4
  people Required qualifications:
* Previous experience handling, extracting birds from mist nets, and
  banding birds is required
* Available early mornings and weekends, flexible schedule (due to the
  unpredictable nature of fieldwork)
* The ability to work outside in various weather conditions
* The ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time

Preferred qualifications:
* Local (NYC) bird identification experience highly preferred
* Previous experience processing and collecting avian blood samples
  highly preferred
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)

Compensation: $22.50/hour
To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.

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Small Mammal Summer Research Assitant
Seeking Small Mammal Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting sampling of mice and other small mammals (including trapping, processing, and tissue & blood collection), general field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct small mammal and medium mammal trapping and sampling (previous
  field and mammal handling experience is required)
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
  and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of
  3-4 people
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)

What you will bring:
* Previous field experience and mammal handling experience is required
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)
* Veterinary (technician) or similar experience is highly desirable

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)
Compensation: $22.50/hour.

To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.

UConn Careers

Seasonal botany technician post: link

WCSU is hosting the sigma xi NE regional meeting in April and it would be a great place for UCOnn undergrads/master’s students  to get a chance to present their work to a broader audience.

Woodrat Field Technician: California

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking 2-3 field technicians to assist in collecting data to estimate movement, densities, and site occupancy of two woodrat species along a secondary contact zone near San Miguel, CA. The technicians will primarily be trapping and collaring woodrats and entering data, working both independently and directly with other technicians and the PhD student directing the project.

Weather permitting, traps will be opened at dusk and checked approximately six hours later with the moving of traps occurring during the early morning. Technicians must be flexible to last minute schedule changes and exhibit a positive attitude. This is not a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job. Work will largely occur at night and hours will vary day to day – whatever is required to finish the work accurately. Technicians should generally expect to work a 6 days on/1 day off schedule, though off days may not occur on the same day each week.

Technicians will be required to carry traps, navigate and geolocate through dense brush, handle woodrats, collar and track animals, take morphometric measurements, take non-invasive genetic samples, collect fecal samples, collect fleas and ticks, and take accurate notes while processing animals. Finally, the technician must be observant and must be able to identify woodrats and distinguish their middens or be able to pick up these skills quickly. Excellent verbal communication skills are required, as is a positive attitude towards supporting the team to achieve project outcomes.

Project will run from early April through late-July/early-August 2026. Salary: $3,000/month.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and ideally their own vehicle for personal use.

Technician will ideally:

Have small mammal trapping experience (woodrat experience is a plus)

Possess knowledge and ability to identify small mammals

Experience maintaining clear communication with off-site supervisors

Experience using GPS and contact collars on wild populations

Be able to maintain detailed, organized notes

Be able to maintain communication to support team morale and shared achievements

Be able to navigate dense vegetation and mark waypoints with a GPS unit

Be physically fit enough to walk multiple miles a day, sometimes with heavy bags of traps and other supplies, and the ability to remain on their feet for most the day

Be observant, a quick learner, and have an interest in small mammals/wildlife

Be able to deal with temperature extremes (both hot and cold)

Adaptable to an extremely varied sleep schedule

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (phone and email) by email to Anita Pilar Montero (amontero@unr.edu) and Marjorie Matocq (mmatocq@unr.edu).  Applications reviewed as they are received.

JobAd

REU, Forest Ecology, Clemson University by Jason Fridley (13 Feb 2026 12:27 EST)
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hiring butterfly field techs (March – Sept and Apr – Jun) by Elsa Youngsteadt (13 Feb 2026 09:55 EST)
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Call for fieldwork volunteers for a field study of Eurasian common lizards, Austria, May-September 2026 by John Smout (13 Feb 2026 09:12 EST)
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Field assistant volunteer interns needed – Field study of the Eurasian common lizard, Zootoca vivipara

Research interns are needed to assist in an ongoing study of reproductive modes of the Eurasian common lizard, Zootoca vivipara.

Z. vivipara is a small insectivorous lizard with a broad palearctic distribution, with both oviparous and viviparous lineages extant in its European heartland. We study the ecology, behaviour and evolution of this fascinating species using a unique natural experiment site based in southern Austria. The project is organised by an international team of researchers based at the University of Glasgow (UK) and the University of Ljubljana (SI) led by Professor Kathryn Elmer at the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow.

Internships will run between May and September 2025. We are looking for interns who can commit for an extended period, usually 2-3 months. In your application, note what dates you will be available.

We are seeking interns with an interest in herpetology, ecology and/or evolution and who are very keen for gaining experience in the field. Duties will include assisting in all aspects of fieldwork at the site, including but not limited to collection of wild lizards by hand or lasso, recording and measurement, care and husbandry, assisting with experiments, driving to and from field sites and other locations, and contributing to communal camping and household tasks. Full training will be provided. There may also be opportunity for leading or contributing to your own project within the team.

Fieldwork is physically demanding and will take place outdoors in a remote rural location, with fieldworkers based at a commercial campsite for the duration. Interns must be comfortable with living and working collaboratively with others in a small group and long-term camping; maintaining good relations with the team and local community is essential.

All main expenses (food, camping/accommodation fees, and other) and travel costs up to intra-European value will be covered. Travel insurance will be provided including urgent medical care. We can welcome team members from anywhere in the world, but interns are responsible for securing their own Schengen visa in advance, if that is needed. Please contact us to discuss specifics. Interns should provide their own tent, bedding, and outdoor clothing and personal equipment suitable for an extended field season in all weathers.

Essential skills & experience:

·      Some background knowledge of topics in herpetology, ecology and/or evolutionary biology

·      Physically able and willing to work outdoors in challenging conditions (including inclement weather and traversing steep or boggy terrain)

·      Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills, including data entry and sample organisation

·      Good interpersonal and team working skills

·      Scientific literacy and numeracy and familiarity with experimental design

·      Fluency in English

Additional desirable skills & experience:

·      Academic qualification in a relevant biological discipline (BSc or equivalent)

·      Experience of animal care and husbandry, particularly in reptiles

·      Knowledge of/fluency in German (Italian and Slovenian also an advantage)

·      Driver’s licence with significant driving experience

Applicants should send a cover letter (including aspects noted above) and CV along with the names and email addresses of two or more professional or academic references to: John.Smout@glasgow.ac.uk. Please mention on your application, if applicable, any prior experience working with lizards or other fieldwork experience.

Informal inquiries in advance of application are welcome.

Review of applications will begin 1 March 2026 and continue until a team is assembled; we plan on completing the decision by the end of March.

PhD position in the SNAIL lab at the University of Amsterdam by Naima Starkloff (13 Feb 2026 03:14 EST)
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Hiring Field Technicians for Cave Monitoring in CA by Amelia Weiss (12 Feb 2026 17:31 EST)
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The Chicago Botanic Garden is now accepting applications for the 2026 Plant Biology & Conservation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This full-time, 10-week NSF-funded summer program provides undergraduates with hands-on research experience in plant biology and conservation, with projects spanning topics from genetics to ecosystems.
The program includes a $7,000 stipend, travel assistance, and housing during required on-site weeks. The program runs from June 15-August 21, 2026, and may begin with a virtual first week.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled undergraduate students. We particularly encourage applications from early-stage undergraduates and students from institutions with limited research opportunities.

Application deadline: February 16, 2026
More information: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpbcinternships.org%2Fsummer-reasearch-internship&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C0421a3717ff14d71ea7608de3ef4c11b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639017418105484100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DuttcTewaaBYB3%2FaK2yqmAyFSRZk9vXcCW7%2F4ZHJb8o%3D&reserved=0
Application link: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fetap.nsf.gov%2Faward%2F7347%2Fopportunity%2F11623&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C0421a3717ff14d71ea7608de3ef4c11b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639017418105517136%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1KjM0%2Bre8kmgfPCHyxCZN2wP1ILqxxQNvfd2NDKrNIo%3D&reserved=0

Graduate position in freshwater fish evolution The Mandeville Lab at Northern Michigan University is recruiting a MS student to work on the evolutionary genomics of freshwater fish (start date fall 2026).

Research in our lab focuses on how evolutionary processes shape freshwater fish biodiversity.  Specific project topic will depend on the interests of the successful candidate, but possible focus areas include hybridization, effects of anthropogenic disturbance, population connectivity, and the evolution of fish sex determination mechanisms. We work on many different groups of freshwater fish, including but not limited to suckers, whitefish, dace, and leuciscid minnows. Please see our lab website for additional information and recent publications:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flizmandeville.github.io%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C3312ebb25e614564798108de325e08fd%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639003576626804694%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CTXBpwURk%2BWYahSmOc94THA5RhLQB3eefkCWd%2B74b0Q%3D&reserved=0.

Candidates interested in evolution, fish biology, ecology, genetics, conservation, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Desired qualifications include strong writing skills, excellent critical thinking, and the ability to balance working independently and collaboratively. All projects will involve analysis of high resolution genomic data, requiring computational approaches and high performance computing. No prior computational experience is required, but applicants without previous experience must be enthusiastic about building their computational skills. The Mandeville Lab is an inclusive environment that supports researchers with diverse identities, and encourages applications from students who are members of historically excluded groups.

NMU is located in Marquette, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marquette is a small but vibrant city on the southern shore of Lake Superior, located close to beautiful natural areas. It’s a great place to live and work, and the proximity to many of our field sites enables us to do satisfying work integrating ecological and evolutionary questions.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, transcript (unofficial is fine), and contact in- formation for three references to Dr. Liz Mandeville, lmandevi@nmu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Please apply by Dec. 15 for full consideration.

Hello,

I’m pleased to share an exciting paid summer internship for STEM undergraduates at the University of California San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Please feel free to distribute this opportunity to your undergraduate students and post it on your institution’s job boards. More information and the flyer are included below.

Thank you!

Victoria Alzona

Summer Internship Coordinator

Marine Physical Laboratory

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

mpl-internship@ucsd.edu

The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) at the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is now seeking curious, motivated undergraduates with strong quantitative skills to apply for the 2026 MPL Summer Internship Program.

This paid, eight-week research program provides students the opportunity to work on their own individual research project under the guidance of leading scientists in the field. Interns also participate in weekly seminars, hands-on activities, and professional development events. Participants receive an hourly wage of $18.25.

Research areas include:

Acoustics and InfrasoundApplied Ocean SciencesAutonomous Ocean Platforms and Global Observing SystemsCoastal OceanographyInternal Waves and Ocean MixingMarine Mammal BiologyMarine RoboticsNonlinear and Surface WavesOcean AcousticsOcean Instrumentation and TechnologyOcean–Atmosphere InteractionsPhysical OceanographyPopulation and Community EcologyUpper Ocean and Submesoscale Processes

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as a second-year, or third-year undergraduates. (Senior-year undergraduates, former MPL interns, and high-school students are not eligible.)Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the internship start date. Applicants must be available to begin in June 2026 and work 40 hours per week for the full 8 consecutive weeks.

Application Procedure
To learn more and apply, please visit: https://mpl.ucsd.edu/internships/.

Applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026, at midnight Pacific Time.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of April.

UC San Diego is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Contact
For questions, please email: mpl-internship@ucsd.edu.

Follow Us:
Instagram: @mplinternship
Threads: @mplinternship
Twitter/X: @mplsummerintern

Seasonal technician positions: Forest ecology / plant community ecology

Tyson Research Center

Washington University in St. Louis

The Myers Ecology Lab at Washington University in St. Louis (http://www.myersecologylab.com) seeks two seasonal field technicians to participate in two forest-ecology projects at the university’s field station, Tyson Research Center (http://tyson.wustl.edu): 1) a long-term study of an oak-hickory forest-dynamics plot that is part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world’s forests (https://www.forestgeo.si.edu); and 2) a landscape-scale experiment investigating the importance of prescribed fire, plant-functional traits, and natural enemies as drivers of forest diversity and change. The technician will develop skills and gain experience in: 1) field protocols for censuses of long-term ForestGEO plots, including tree identification, tree mapping, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and seed production; 2) data collection for large-scale field experiments, including surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) management of large data sets; 4) mentoring of undergraduate and high school students in field research; and 5) team-based ecological field research. The Myers Ecology Lab and Washington University are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Position details: This is a full-time, temporary position (up to 6 months) with no benefits. Candidates interested in a shorter position (minimum of 3 months) are also encouraged to apply. Wages will be commensurate with experience. The position is available starting between April 1 and May 18, 2026. The successful applicant will need to secure their own housing in St. Louis or near Tyson Research Center (20 miles from campus). Located on the edge of the Ozark ecoregion, Tyson Research Center is a 2000-acre field station dedicated to multi-scale research, teaching, and collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and levels of academic training.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. biology, ecology, forestry); experience conducting field research; excellent teamwork skills; ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions that include hot or cold weather, mosquitoes and ticks, and steep terrain; enthusiasm to learn new concepts and field skills.

Preferred qualifications: A strong interest in ecology; experience working in a field team; experience with plant identification, especially in temperate forests.

To apply: Please submit 1) a cover letter describing your interest in this position, how the position would advance your career goals, relevant experience, start date availability, and contact information for three references including e-mail addresses and phone numbers; and 2) a CV or resume. Application materials must be submitted electronically through https://jobs.washu.edu by entering the job ID number (JR91482) as a keyword on the Search WashU Jobs page. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are strongly encouraged to e-mail Dr. Jonathan Myers (jamyers@wustl.edu) to indicate interest in the position as soon as possible using the subject line “Seasonal Ecology Technician”. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jonathan Myers.

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Kentucky is seeking qualified applicants for a MS assistantship available starting July 2026. The project will study the patterns and drivers of white oak’s growth and evaluate the role ecological forestry practices can play in sustaining white oak through promoting enhanced recruitment and reduced mortality. The research will leverage assessments of undisturbed stands and those subject to silvicultural practices such as thinning to understand how stand density, forest microclimates, and tree characteristics influence white oak growth and recruitment patterns. Tree-ring analysis will be used to help inform how past stand conditions influenced tree response. There will also be opportunities to explore mechanistic drivers of white oak’s growth through collaboration with Dr. Sybil Gotsch’s forest ecophysiology laboratory in the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

This graduate assistantship will provide students with a detailed ecological understanding of the region’s oak dominated forests as well as experience in the study of forest growth, dendrochronology, ecophysiology, and silviculture.

Assistantship will include a stipend of $28,117, tuition, and health benefits. Interested students should contact Dr. John Lhotka (john.lhotka@uky.edu, 859-257-9701). Please visit the following website, https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/masters-program, to obtain information on the application process.

_____________________________________________________

Sybil G. Gotsch, Associate Professor (she/her/hers)

PI-Forest Ecophysiology Lab

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment | University of Kentucky

105 T.P. Cooper Building, 730 Rose Street

Lexington KY 40546-0073

T: 859-257-7596 | F: 859-323-1031 | E: sybil.gotsch@uky.edu

Websites: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/; http:/www.sybilgotsch.com/

I am seeking a motivated PhD student interested in plant ecology and global change to join my lab group at the University of Connecticut and broader interdisciplinary team beginning Summer 2026.  We are investigating how global change drivers (CO2, temperature, nitrogen deposition, water availability, fire) affect boreal conifer species reproduction. The successful candidate will be funded as a Graduate Assistant for four years (~$40,000/year) and conduct field work in northern New England and Quebec, analyze C:N:P:K stoichiometry and stable isotope signatures of herbarium and field-collected samples, conduct seed germination trials, and serve as a mentor for a summer youth science immersion program in Alaska. Preferred qualifications include an MS in a related field, field and biogeochemistry experience, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills. I am committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment and encourage students from all backgrounds to apply. 

Interested? Please email me (beth.lawrence@uconn.edu) by December 15, 2025: 1) a statement of your research interests, and 2) a CV that includes relevant professional experience and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

NSF EGFP Graduate Fellowship Opportunity in Ecology & Global Change

West Virginia University – Department of Biology

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University is seeking applicants for two fully funded NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) positions in ecosystem ecology, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or global change biology. This fellowship provides a full stipend and tuition support for graduate study (i.e. Ph.D.) in the Department of Biology. In addition, students will receive an annual research budget ($10,000) that can support research efforts and conference travel. Students will have the opportunity to conduct high-impact and cutting-edge research broadly in the areas of ecology and environmental change, with flexibility to develop an original project that aligns with the program’s mission of advancing scientific capacity in EPSCoR states. Students may be housed in either the labs of Dr. Eddie Brzostek, Dr. Justin Mathias, or Dr. Ember Morrissey and more information on these labs can be found at https://biology.wvu.edu/faculty-and-staff. This is an excellent fit for students seeking substantial research independence and support early in their graduate career. To be eligible students need to have received Honorable Mention on a NSF GRFP proposal within the last 3 years. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Eddie Brzostek (erbrzostek@mail.wvu.edu) to discuss potential projects.

What the Fellowship Provides

Full graduate stipend ($37,000 annually) Tuition and fee coverage (students will have no education costs) Three years of NSF funding, usable within a five-year window Annual research budget to support research and conference travel ($10,000) Opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with statewide EPSCoR initiatives

Why WVU?

Access to diverse Appalachian forest ecosystems, long-term research sites, and state-of-the-art facilities Strong institutional support for interdisciplinary research in ecology, climate science, soil science, and ecosystem modeling A collaborative and welcoming graduate community with extensive mentoring opportunities High-impact research programs recognized regionally and nationally

Required qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, soil science, or related field Received an honorable mention in a NSF GRFP application within the last three years U.S. citizens or permanent residents (required for NSF EGFP eligibility)

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in forest ecosystems, global change, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, or ecological modeling Strong quantitative, analytical, or field skills (any combination is welcome) Highly motivated and intellectually curious

How to Apply

Please email the following to Eddie Brzostek (erbrzostek@mail.wvu.edu):

CV A short statement (1–2 pages) describing your research interests and alignment with the themes above Unofficial transcripts Contact information for 2–3 references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority for students starting in the Fall of 2026.

MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantships – Tropical Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (TropHTIRC), Purdue University

The Tropical Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (TropHTIRC) is a collaborative research and extension center for reforestation and restoration of Hawaiian native forest trees. TropHTIRC supports training of graduate research students through collaborations at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Purdue University, and TropHTIRC partners including the USDA Forest Service’s Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

We are recruiting for graduate student candidates at the MS or PhD level to begin in fall semester of 2026. Programs of study are flexible, but should involve research addressing the ecology, genetics, entomology, pathology, or silviculture of one or more native forest trees of Hawaii. Candidates will work with faculty in developing a specific research focus related to the TropHTIRC mission, which may emphasize ecophysiology, plant propagation, silvicultural systems, ecological restoration, tree improvement, molecular genetics, invasive species, pathogens or pests, and/or global change biology. Research topics of current priority include koa field establishment and silviculture, sandalwood propagation and host plant interactions, and ohia disease resistance.

We are committed to recruiting and training graduate student candidates with strong ties to Hawaii and career goals to contribute to the health of Hawaii forests and the communities that rely on these ecosystems. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition, most of a medical insurance premium, and a stipend ($28,000 MS and $30,000 PhD per year) for two years for MS students and four years for PhD students. Native Hawaiians and Native Pacific Islanders are eligible for Sloan Scholarships through the Sloan Foundation Indigenous Graduate Partnership, which provides additional funding support directly to the student. Candidates should submit their applications by December 1, 2025 for fall 2026 entry for full scholarship consideration, but please contact us in advance with your interests.

For more information, please visit www.trophtirc.org and contact:

Douglass F. Jacobs, Ph.D.

Professor and Fred M. van Eck Chair of Forest Biology

Director, Tropical Harwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

The Catchen Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcatchenlab.life.illinois.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C1160f71881454f80eb0108de25d0c77b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638989775840611720%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BrDWdVoZgtu5FgwF%2BiV3OOaO0TYgDwJSXCOAvh73tTU%3D&reserved=0), in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is recruiting graduate students to join our lab.

Our lab is primarily a computational lab that focuses on the evolution of genome architecture. We blend comparative genomics with population genetics, applying a computational toolset to most of our analyses. We sequence a lot of DNA, focusing on long- and short-read sequencing, combining these data with novel algorithm development in Python and
C++. We accept students with a range of computational experience and
previous students have worked on research projects ranging from purely biological analyses to writing software.

Recent projects in the lab have included significant work in fishes, including the genomics of Antarctic fishes, the genome architecture of killifishes, stickleback genomics, ancient and modern salmon DNA, and investigating the genomic basis of honey bee metabolism.

Some of our students develop software packages; the lab developed the Stacks software for analyzing RADseq data, tools for conserved synteny analysis and genome assembly curation, visualization tools, such as Klumpy, and with some cool stuff under development.

The department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior is housed within the School of Integrative Biology, home to over 30 faculty working in ecology, behavior, conservation and evolution. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), the Beckman Institute (several research themes including bioimaging and Molecular Science and
Engineering) and the Grainger College of Engineering. Urbana-Champaign is a pleasant, affordable, university town with good music and restaurants. It has its own airport and is close to three major U.S. cities (Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis).

Students for the Ph.D. are typically funded for 5-years with a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. The deadline for consideration is December 15, 2025.

Please contact Julian Catchen (jcatchen@illinois.edu) if you have questions or want to discuss opportunities in the lab.

“Catchen, Julian” <jcatchen@illinois.edu>

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An MS graduate position is available with Dr. Steve Travers (Evolutionary Ecolgy, North Dakota State University) starting Fall 2026.  The successful applicant will investigate the adaptation of wild plants to warm climates. The two year project will involve:

Experimentally testing heat tolerance of Brassica rapa collected from a range of latitudes Designing variables to measure reflecting tolerance Synthesizing field work and collaborative work on physiology and genetics Opportunities at leadership

Project Description: Variation in plant thermotolerance can result from multiple factors, including adaptation to local thermal climates. In this project, we will conduct a common garden experiment and measure thermotolerance variables in populations from divergent thermal environments toward the extremes of the Brassica rapa U.S. range. We will test three non-exclusive predictions based on the hypothesis of local thermal adaptation: (1) optimal performance temperatures are positively correlated with mean provenance temperature; (2) plants from more thermally variable environments are more thermally plastic than their counterparts from more stable environments; and (3) plants from more thermally variable environments have the widest thermal niche breadths.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or related field Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team and be willing to mentor others Research experience

If you are interested in learning more about the research and the position, please contact Steve Travers at steven.travers@ndsu.edu. You can also learn about the lab at: https://sites.google.com/view/evoecobot/home?pli=1

Graduate Assistantships in Global Change and Forest Dynamics, University of Denver

The Martin lab (duforestecology.weebly.com) invites applications at the Ph.D. or M.S. level to the University of Denver graduate program in Biology, Ecology and Evolution in the Department of Biological Sciences (du.edu/nsm/departments/biologicalsciences/index.html).

We welcome inquiries from candidates interested in how global environmental change is influencing tree demography and forest dynamics across spatial and temporal scales. Observational and experimental studies in the field will be used to build quantitative models of plant-environment relationships and to explore scenarios of forest dynamics under changing conditions; e.g. climate change influences on recruitment, whole-plant carbon budgets in invasive species ecology, and how drought and warming are impacting tree species biochemistry and physiology. Opportunities exist for projects in the montane forests of the Rocky Mountains or the tropical montane forests in the Caribbean. Projects will start ideally on June 1st, 2026.

We seek candidates with proficiency and experience in the following areas:
* Fieldwork ecology experience; love of mountains, hiking, camping, etc.
* Experience in tree ecophysiology, including use of a LI-COR 6800
* Interest or experience using quantitative models of forest dynamics (e.g. SORTIE).
* Statistical, modeling, and programming skills (R, S-plus, etc.).
* Knowledge of the flora and ecology of the Rocky Mountain or Caribbean regions
* Strong written and communication skills, including firsthand experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Martin (patrick.h.martin@du.edu). Applications received before February 1st 2023 will receive priority.

In your email, please provide a statement of your current and future research interests and experiences, your CV, and contact information for 3 references.

Graduate position in parental care evolution

The Potticary Lab at Northern Michigan University is recruiting a Masters (MS) student to work on the ecology of parental care evolution of burying beetles (start date fall 2026).

In the Potticary lab, we are investigating the ecology of parenting using burying beetles of the genus Nicrophorus as a study system. Depending on the interests of the successful candidate, there are several projects on northern Michigan burying beetles that may be available. On-going and planned projects include work on the transgenerational effects of parenting, the impact of ecological variation on parenting strategies, and how communication mechanisms influence parental care strategies.

Applicants with strong interests in evolution, behavior, ecology, natural history, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Desired qualifications include the ability to balance working independently and collaboratively, excellent work habits, and strong writing skills. Projects will involve working with both a laboratory colony containing multiple species of Nicrophorus burying beetles, as well as consistent field work under a diversity of conditions. All projects require the handling of live beetles and their primary food/breeding resource (carrion). No prior fieldwork experience is required, but the successful candidate must be keen to develop their fieldwork skills and comfortable handling insects, or are interested in handling insects.

To apply informally, please send a letter of interest, CV, transcript (unofficial is fine), and contact information for three references to Dr. Ahvi Potticary, apottica@nmu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified (official admissions procedures to follow). All applications received by December 12 will receive full consideration.

For more information on the Potticary lab, please see here: https://ahvapotticary.weebly.com/

For more information on the graduate program at Northern Michigan University, please see here: https://nmu.edu/biology/masters-science-biology

Attachment: Graduate student posting 2026.pdf (application/pdf)

*** NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards ***

With support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Michigan State University (MSU), NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards are given to students, postdocs, and junior researchers (e.g., assistant professors) to cover expenses associated with attending the meeting of  IALE-North America  (North America Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology), which will be held in Athens, Georgia, April 26-30, 2026. This will be the 25th anniversary of the NASA-MSU Program.

The application materials include a cover letter, application form, abstract, resume/CV, and budget. The abstract should also have been submitted to the IALE-NA meeting website. Applications are judged based on the merits of the applicants’ abstracts, financial needs, and professional backgrounds and goals.

Presentations (oral or poster) should focus on telecoupling (environmental-socioeconomic interactions over distances, such as human and animal migration, species dispersal, species invasion, disease spread, sound/noise transmission, spread of pollutants and wastes, trade of goods and products, flows of ecosystem services, environmental and hydrological flows, foreign investment, technology transfer, water transfer, and tourism) and/or metacoupling. Topics may include applications of the telecoupling framework or metacoupling framework to address issues across landscapes or coupled human and natural systems (e.g., dynamics, pattern, process, structure, function, and sustainability). For more information about coupled human and natural systems, please see: Science and Ambio.

Awardees will also have opportunities to interact with some leading scientists and other meeting attendees, including a special dinner on April 27, and telecoupling / metacoupling workshop #4  (https://www.ialena.org/workshops-2026.html ) and symposium #5 (https://www.ialena.org/symposia-2026.html).

Students, postdocs, and other junior scholars (e.g., assistant professors) from around the world (except former award recipients) are welcome to apply. Please apply here (https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nsQ6KiZMNCyWFg) . The application deadline is December 15, 2025.

Questions can be directed to:

Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI  48824, USA
liuji@msu.edu

Eastern Washington University invites applicants for our Master of Science program in Biology!

https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/biology-ms/

The EWU Biology MS is a thesis-based program emphasizing research. A variety of specialties are available within the department, including aquatic and riparian ecology, cell biology, fisheries, genetics, microbiology, molecular ecology, physiology, restoration ecology, and wildlife (see https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/faculty-staff/).  Some specific laboratories recruiting students are highlighted below, but other faculty are accepting applicants as well. We welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds interested in any of these fields, including those underrepresented in biology.

Dr. Krisztian Magori (kmagori@ewu.edu) is recruiting graduate students to study infectious disease threats to animals and people in relation to climate, land use and biodiversity change in the Inland Northwest; as well as to develop and disseminate best practices to integrate AI into biological data analysis.

Camille McNeely (fmcneely@ewu.edu) is recruiting students interested in stream or wetland ecology, with a focus on invertebrates, restoration, nutrient loading, and/or food webs. Please contact Dr. McNeely for more information.

Dr. Charlotte Milling, in collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, is recruiting candidates for 1-2 MS positions evaluating waterfowl ecology in the Pacific Flyway. The Milling Lab at EWU investigates questions related to behavioral ecology and animal-habitat relationships to inform conservation of wildlife populations and their habitat.  Applied research projects that address contemporary challenges of regional relevance (e.g., wetlands management, wildfire, multiple land use) are of particular interest. Projects will combine field-based research, lab-based methods, and advanced quantitative reasoning to advance understanding of ecological processes meaningful to managers and partners in the flyway.  For more information on potential research projects or lab-specific required qualifications, or to express your interest in joining the lab, please email cmilling@ewu.edu.”

Research in Thrikawala Lab can be summarized into one word, “immunotoxicology”. I investigate how environmental and pharmaceutical chemicals affect immunity, altering immune response to infections and injury. I use zebrafish larvae to model infection and injury and use fluorescent microscopy to track real-time immune cell responses. If you are excited to work with an animal model, cool microscopy, and cutting-edge molecular techniques like CRISPR, please contact Dr. Savini Thrikawala via suparathrikawala@ewu.edu.

Financial support is available through Graduate Service Appointments (GSAs, https://www.ewu.edu/apply/graduate/tuition-aid/), which provide tuition-waiver and wages for a 20 hour per week teaching responsibility. Additional funding may be available through grants or contracts to individual faculty advisors.  For full GSA consideration for fall 2026 admission, applications are due February 10, 2026.  Admission requires an undergraduate degree in Biology or a related field, 3.0 GPA, and approval of an EWU faculty member willing to serve as the thesis advisor.  We recommend contacting potential advisors as early as possible in the application process.  The GRE is not required.

Application information: https://www.ewu.edu/apply/graduate/

Biology Department website: https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/

EWU Graduate Programs website: https://www.ewu.edu/grad/

For questions contact: fmcneely@ewu.edu (Camille McNeely, M.S. Program Director, Biology, Eastern Washington University)

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Location

EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 11,000 residents 16 miles southwest of the state’s second largest city, Spokane. Our area combines small-town charm and big-city life, floatable rivers and award-winning urban parks, Instagrammable nature spots and downtown market. The metro area is home to more than 600,000 people with nightlife, malls, an international airport, movie theaters, and museums. We also have cafes, restaurants, parks, art galleries, sports teams, concerts and enough coffee for even the fiercest java hounds.

EWU has a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.  Resources include active Multicultural (https://inside.ewu.edu/mcc/) and Pride (https://inside.ewu.edu/pridecenter/) Centers. EWU maintains a Writer’s Center that works with many of our Biology M.S. students (https://inside.ewu.edu/writerscenter/), and a robust Student Accommodations and Support team (https://inside.ewu.edu/sass/).

The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is seeking to fill 10 paid REU positions for Summer 2026 at our NSF-funded REU site “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists.” This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis. Students will work with mentors to develop an original inquiry-based research project within one of the following three focal areas: 1) assessing and monitoring species in the wild, 2) understanding species integrity and resilience to anthropogenic threats, and 3) improving captive management of threatened species.

This REU takes advantage of the resources offered by the SMSC, located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), which provide ample opportunity to learn and conduct research onsite, including lab, field, and/or computational research. Students will be trained in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, and how to effectively promote their findings using various online/social media platforms. Project mentors are conducting impactful, recognized research and all have experience in providing mentorship and professional development experiences for undergraduates. REU students will also participate in a series of career and skills-building seminars with faculty and attend colloquium talks given by experts in conservation, while interacting with peers in team-building activities and social excursions. Students will also enhance their communication skills by presenting their research findings at a final symposium as well as a poster preview for the local community. Successful applicants will be paired with a research mentor based on their interest in this REU’s thematic areas and the best fit of the REU experience for the student’s academic and/or professional or career goals.

As part of the application process, students will need to identify available projects they are interested in working on. A list of available projects and associated mentors can be found on our website at: https://smconservation.gmu.edu/nsf-reu/

This is a fully funded, 10-week paid research experience. Candidates must be available and in residence for the entire 10-week period. All REU participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, up to $500 in travel support to/from the REU site, plus room and board at the residence and dining facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, students can receive up to $200 in conference participation support.

Who should apply?

Undergraduate students who are very excited about a career in conservation, or interested in related disciplines, such as biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, animal behavior, endocrinology, anthropology, and environmental sciences, are encouraged to apply.

NSF-REU eligibility:

To be eligible for this REU program, you must be (1) at least 18 years old, (2) enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a bachelor’s or associate degree, (3) a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026.

Start preparing your application materials early! This is a competitive program and only 10 students will be selected. Through the online application system (NSF-ETAP), students will need to submit:

Current resume Unofficial transcript(s) for all college/university-level coursework One letter of recommendation from a professor or someone from a professional capacity that can judge your ability to succeed in a research program An essay/narrative that describes your academic and professional interests related to the discipline of conservation and what motivated you to pursue them, as well as your future goals and ambitions and how this REU experience would help you achieve those goals

Apply by following this link to the NSF application portal: https://etap.nsf.gov/.

Create an account and enter SMSC in the search bar, or go directly to our program page: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7921/opportunity/11407.

If you have specific questions, please contact the REU Faculty Program Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at adeluyck@gmu.edu

The Sianta Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siantalab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdaniel.bolnick%40uconn.edu%7C2803136276a547f856a708de21ad2b63%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638985224811273937%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZOK2ty9a8l3%2Bpg%2BhOV4u0%2B5wVs7MNXUowh2vO%2FP6YPE%3D&reserved=0) in the Department of Integrative
Biology at the University of Texas at Austin seeks a highly motivated and
detail-oriented laboratory technician to play a key role in setting up
and supporting the research operations of our lab. Our research focuses
on understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes driving
phenotypic, genetic, and species diversity in plant systems. The lab uses
field and greenhouse experiments, population genomics, and phylogenomics
and comparative biology to investigate how spatial environmental
variation and local adaptation contribute to speciation. This position
offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the foundational stages of
a lab, contributing to a cutting-edge research program that integrates
ecological, evolutionary, and genomic approaches.

This position will involve general lab setup and management, general plant
care and experiments with plants in the greenhouse, standard molecular
biology techniques, and training and supervising of undergraduate
assistants. This position will likely involve fieldwork in Spring
2026 in California and/or Texas, which may require being away from
Austin, TX for one to a few weeks across multiple trips and may require
camping. Fieldwork would require some driving and a valid driver’s
license. The work will also include data analysis, and there will be
opportunities for publishing research.

Review of applications will start November 17th, 2025 and will continue
until the position is filled. Start date as soon as December 2025,
but is negotiable.

Please see more details here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Futaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com%2FUTstaff%2Fjob%2FUT-MAIN-CAMPUS%2FResearch-Engineering-Scientist-Associate-I_R_00042901&data=05%7C02%7Cdaniel.bolnick%40uconn.edu%7C2803136276a547f856a708de21ad2b63%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638985224811292782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0HMqeNDanNbouo5n6w3hGykU1C4AjgVg6F%2BWAKpHdI8%3D&reserved=0

Inquiries about the position can be directed to Shelley Sianta
(shelley.sianta@austin.utexas.edu).