Biological Science

B4WarmED Overview: Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest biomes. B4WarmED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field, to examine tree seedling and germination, response to warming, with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information about the lab and the project visit our webpages.

Position overview: We seek independent and mature undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships. The position is for start in spring (Between Mar-Apr). On average an internship lasts about 4+ months with the possibility of extending it until end of the growing season and beyond (workload and budget dependent). Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid drivers license is required. Personal vehicle is helpful but not required. Successful hires will work through variety of tasks with primary focus on tree biometric, ecophysiological and ecological measurements and data collections in the field, with occasional site maintenance, laboratory work, and treatment implementation. The intern will work in an individual and team setting. Consequently, a maturity to work autonomously often with long hours is required.

Responsibilities:

• Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and laboratory settings in accordance with established protocols
• Measure plant growth, physiology, and phenology
• Measure soil characteristics and processes
• Data entry using Excel and Google drive
• Implement rainfall reduction treatment
• Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research equipment, including a Licor 6400xt.
• Lab work includes data entry, biomass assessments and leaf area analysis
• Aiding principal investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications:

• 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting.
• 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols.
• 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota.
• 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others and live in remote area with others and/or alone.
• 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world.
• 6) Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing schedule.
• 7) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions with large swarms of insects.

Research sites: Field work will be conducted in northerm minnesota, split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individuals home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available.

Application: Applications will be submitted using the link https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/366991/. They will be reviewed as soon as the HR personnel release them to the supervisors of the project. Potential candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Please upload all three documents electronically:
– a cover letter (including available working dates)
– One-page resume
– contact information (email + phone number) for 2-3 references
Note: If you also email me the documents I can start to evaluate documents before the thumbs up of HR.

Thank you,

Raimundo Bermudez
bermu019@umn.edu
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota
St Paul, MN 55108 USA

Please share this with any and all potentially interested sophomores and juniors. The application deadline has been extended to March 9th. The original posting of this REU and others can be found here: https://hubbardbrook.org/jobs-opportunities/

2026 REU Position – Lepidoptera Research at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH

The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, with funding from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, anticipates openings for students in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program during the summer of 2026. One of those openings will be devoted to assisting with the long-term monitoring of forest insects present in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF).

Students will work with research teams involving other undergraduate and graduate students, studying the biota and ecology of HBEF. The REU students will develop and conduct an independent research project under the supervision of their mentor. Many REU students continue their work as an independent study or senior honors thesis at their home institution. Additionally, through weekly on-site presentations given by the mentors and other scientists, students are also exposed to a full spectrum of ecosystem research at Hubbard Brook. The program runs from late May to mid-August. Students receive a stipend of $5500 for the 10-week program, as well as housing. Limited funding is available for research supplies and travel expenses. Students live at HBRF’s researcher housing adjacent to HBEF, among a community of summer field students and technicians. All residents are expected to share and cooperate with cleaning, cooking, and related chores.

Lepidoptera / Forest insect community: This project aims to understand more about the Lepidoptera (moths and caterpillars) community, the most important herbivores in northern hardwood forests and a critical link from plant production to consumers like birds and bats. We will work with the insect-REU student to develop a project that may include elements such as building a photographic library of the moths and caterpillars within Hubbard Brook, collecting forest insect samples using various field methods, developing both manual and AI-assisted methods for identifying and enumerating moths (and other insect orders), as well as other research avenues to be determined by the student and mentors. Due to the Lepidoptera and forest insect work being closely linked to bird and bat research, the student will learn and participate in long-term bird research including nest searching and counting food availability, as well as participate in bat research and bioacoustics monitoring. Through this opportunity, the student will have ample access to a multitude of research questions to explore and a chance to contribute to new knowledge in forest ecosystem dynamics.

In your application, please include: a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, your resume and email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters). Applications are due by March 9.

If interested in the position, please send your application to Dr. Matt Ayres (Dartmouth College: matthew.p.ayres@dartmouth.edu) and Jessica Jones (Dartmouth College: jessica.s.jones.gr@dartmouth.edu).

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeks to hire a few motivated, collaborative, and passionate Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants who will gain hands on experience working with researchers at the Darrin Freshwater Institute in Bolton Landing, NY. Review of applications will begin on March 1st, 2026.

DARRIN FRESHWATER INSTITUTE, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Come join us for a unique summer experience in beautiful Lake George, NY! As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience while working with a team of people dedicated to research, education, and answering questions at the forefront of the scientific community. Successful applicants will gain experience in varying types of field research and techniques, collection and analysis of water chemistry data, and hands on use of laboratory instrumentation. Program runs from May 27 to mid-August. 

Research Assistants are paid positions starting at $16/hr with free housing at the institute and can expect to:

• develop research skills in both the laboratory and field
• develop working relationships with other students and professionals from the RPI community and beyond
• gain confidence with their future and career path
• HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF FUN!

 To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Dave Winkler, winkld@rpi.edu, by March 1st.

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is offering 10-week, paid research opportunities this summer that are open to current students and recent graduates, as well as transitioning/early career professionals. The Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges.

For the summer 2026 term, EarthRISE Developers Academy will provide in-person opportunities at Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA), Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL), and Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO). Additionally, a limited number of projects are available for virtual participation. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.

The Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, where we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth, environmental, and/or planetary sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply. Participants will work together on teams, guided by NASA scientists and science advisors and in partnership with community organizations, to expand their skills to use NASA science data to address environmental concerns from urban heat, air quality, disaster management, agriculture, ecological conservation, and water resources to lunar science in support of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy.

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers hourly, paid positions with rates that are determined by education level and working location. During the term, selected participants should be able to commit to 25 – 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during normal business hours.

Please see details about this opportunity including eligibility, tentative project themes, and application instructions at https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/nasadevelop. The application window is open now through March 6th, 2026, for the 10-week, summer 2026 project term taking place from June 1st – August 7th. US citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply.

The Fridley Lab at Clemson University is seeking two motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience in plant ecology as part of research teams working in the Great Smoky Mountains and Clemson Experimental Forest. Students will assist staff and graduate students in fieldwork in Clemson, SC, as well as several multi-day trips to the Smokies, about two hours from campus. Students must be able and willing to do some hiking and work off trails in humid conditions. Students will also be involved in a variety of laboratory activities related to plant growth trials, which may include sensor building and statistical analysis, pending student interest. Students will be provided with a $6000 stipend for living expenses over the 12-wk duration starting approximately May 18 (start and end dates are flexible). Qualifications and application instructions are at https://www.fridleylab.org/join-us.

Deadline: March 20, 2026.

The Louthan Lab at KSU is seeking summer field REU students to participate in field work at Konza Prairie Biological Station in Manhattan, KS. Applicants should be comfortable working in a team setting outside in hot, humid conditions while traversing uneven or rocky terrain. In addition to field work, applicants will work together to design their own research project, which they will complete during the summer. 

This is a great opportunity for undergraduate students seeking field work and research experience in plant population ecology. Technicians will learn field work skills, plant identification, data management, and experimental design and execution. They will interact with faculty and grad students throughout the summer. 

The field season will run from mid-June through mid-August, and technicians will receive a stipend of $6600. Housing for this position is not provided. 

To apply or for more information, please email Sam Ko samko@ksu.edu with a cover letter resume/CV. 

Deadline to apply is March 15. 

For more information about our lab, visit our lab website: https://louthanlab.weebly.com/

We are recruiting undergraduate students interested in ecology and biodiversity for a 10 week NSF REU program this summer at Auburn University. Students at sophomore level or above with some basic biological or natural science course work are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in students that have a strong interest in ecology and may have limited opportunities to engage in research at their current institution. 

The REU will take place from May 17-July 25, 2026. A $700/week is provided ($7,000 for the summer), along with $20/day for food, and up to $700 to support travel to and from Auburn University. On campus housing will be provided to students along with access to campus facilities. Interested students should apply through the NSF ETAP site (OpportunityLanding | Award | NSF Education & Training Application | ETAP) Applications are due by March 4, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christopher Lepczyk at lepczyk@auburn.edu.

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) (www.lumcon.edu) invites highly motivated undergraduates to apply for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions in our NSF-sponsored summer 2026 REU program in Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments. REU participants will spend ten weeks (June 1^st – August 7^th) at LUMCON conducting independent research projects with guidance from scientific mentors / mentor teams and participate in a series of career and skill-building workshops and activities while interacting with peers participating in other aspects of LUMCON’s summer programs. Each student is paired with a scientific mentor(s) based on mutual research interests. The REU program is designed to give students a meaningful, hands-on research experience that takes advantage of state-of-the-art methods and technologies available at LUMCON. This summer, mentors are interested in supporting interns to conduct research in a number of topic areas, including: ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, habitat forming species, phytoplankton ecology, marine plant physiological ecology, behavioral ecology, sea level rise, marsh and estuarine biodiversity, disturbance ecology, dissolved oxygen dynamics, wetland science, bioimaging and fluid mechanics, restoration science, and biodiversity information science. More information on the program and details on potential mentors and projects can be found at http://lumcon.edu/REU.

Candidates must be available for the entire ten week period.  Successful applicants will receive a $650/week stipend; room and board at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA; funds to support transportation to and from LUMCON; and funds to support their research.

The ideal candidates should be interested in pursuing a career in coastal and/or marine science, creative, hard-working, detail orientated, dedicated, and comfortable working as part of research team. Experience with field or laboratory research is a plus but not necessary. To be eligible you must be returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall (e.g., if you will graduate in May or June, you are NOT eligible).

Application deadline: March 9^th 2026.

Instructions for completing application packages which include (an online application form submitted through the National Science Foundation online application platform (ETAP), a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and any previous research experience, a  CV/resume, two letters of reference, and a copy of your current college transcript) can be found at http://lumcon.edu/REU.

Questions about the program and/or application process should be addressed to LUMCON’s REU Site Program Director, Dr. Brian Roberts, at reu@lumcon.edu.

Vegetation Science and Resource Management Internship:

This position offers experience with a diversity of vegetation data collection methods for vegetation monitoring, mapping, and research at Grand Teton National Park. Primary areas of focus are on sagebrush ecosystems, habitat restoration, grazing, and invasive plants. The intern will work under the direction of a University of Wyoming graduate-level student researcher and Grand Teton National Park ecologists. There are additional opportunities for the intern to assist with a range of native plant material, invasive plant management, and habitat restoration objectives.

Data Collection may include:

• Collect ocular estimates, shrub count, and shrub height data from intact and recently restored sagebrush steppe plant communities, identifying plants to species using taxonomic keys.
• Conduct photo-monitoring of restoration sites.
• Transect sampling for rangeland health
• Survey and map emerging invasive plant threats to Grand Teton using a strategy called Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
• Transect sampling and photo point monitoring before, during, and after treatment of invasive species to protect endemic Teton wirelettuce (Stephanomeria fluminea) in the braided cobblestones of Spread Creek
• Input data or upload data into databases

Grand Teton National Park Vegetation Crew Potential Opportunities:

• Collect native seed for future restoration work.
• Assist in the native plant nursery (water and care for plants, re-pot plants, weed).
• Map and monitor vegetation.
• Manual invasive plant treatment.
• Whitebark pine restoration or monitoring data collection at backcountry sites.
• Work alongside NPS biologists, technicians, youth conservation crews, visiting researchers, and natural resource professionals.

The position requires skills in plant identification and ecology and an interest in land management or ecological restoration. Requires the ability to focus on details and accurately record and manage data. Requires the ability to work well in small crews and independently. Requires undergraduate coursework in biology, with preferable coursework in ecology or botany. A current driver’s license and good driving record are required. The work environment is outside, often working for consecutive days in direct heat and sun, with potential for thunderstorms, biting insects, and interactions with bears and other large mammals. ALL applicants must be U.S. citizens, a student in the spring or summer 2026 semesters and be continuing in an academic program during fall 2026. Applicants should be able to work independently once provided direction and training.

Housing for this position will be provided at the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center at the historic AMK Ranch on the shore of Jackson Lake in view of the beautiful Teton Range. We anticipate the start date to be approximately early-to-mid June with an end data in August. Specific start and end dates are still to be determined with field scheduling and may have some flexibility. Hourly wage will be $15.00.

For more information or to apply, email molly_murphy@nps.gov.

How to apply: Interested students should submit a resume, names and contact information for three references, their expected graduation date, and a short statement of interest and skills related to the internship(s) with Grand Teton National Park via email to the appropriate contact listed above by 5:00 PM (MST) on March 15, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received so early application is encouraged.

More information about Grand Teton National Park can be found at www.nps.gov.

Diverse students and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The application portal is now OPEN for the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) summer session! Click on “STUDENTS” at www.rmbl.org. Priority deadline is February 13, 2026. 

RMBL summer program is a full-time 10-week independent research program at a world-class biological field station located at 9500 feet in the Rocky Mountains. All students (undergraduate or post-baccalaureate) participate in an intensive scientific research experience, designing and completing a project under the direction of a RMBL scientist mentor. Students in the RMBL program gain skills in scientific research including ethics and integrity in research, experimental design, GPS/GIS and the use of field equipment and methods, scientific communication, data and graphical analyses, and science career advancement. Students are an integral component of the RMBL community and are immersed in a broad range of scientific, recreational, and artistic opportunities while they live onsite at RMBL. 

If needed, Financial Aid is available in the form of REU awards and RMBL full and partial scholarships. All interested students are encouraged to apply!  For more information go to www.rmbl.org

The Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program is now inviting applications for our summer 2026 entomology learnerships and internships.

The position is based at Hawthorne Valley Farm, a 500-acre organic and biodynamic diversified farm located in the heart of Columbia County, NY.

Application Process: To apply, please send a résumé, a cover letter highlighting why you are interested in the position and any relevant experience you might bring, and contact information for three references to our entomology lab manager, Kendrick Fowler, at kfowler@hawthornevalley.org. We would prefer (but do not require) that you send these materials as a single PDF document with the filename “Ento2026_YourLastName” (replacing “YourLastName” with your last name).

Timeline: We will begin reviewing applications on 4 Feb 2026, and applications received later than that may not be considered. If you wish to apply after that date, please contact us to confirm whether positions are still available.

The University of Michigan’s sprawling, forested campus in northern Michigan is recruiting students from across the U.S. to join the research community for eight weeks in the summer through a fully supported field experience focused on the natural systems and climate change.

The Biological Station Undergraduate Research Fellowship program runs June 15 – Aug. 7, 2026, at the U-M Biological Station, and includes mentors, a $5,500 stipend, and on-campus housing and meals. Research fees also are covered as part of the program.

https://lsa.umich.edu/umbs/news-events/all-news/search-news/apply-by-march-15-for-2026-undergraduate-research-fellowships-at.html

Apply by March 15th.

FULLY FUNDED RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS FOR U.S. UNDERGRADUATES IN BERMUDA

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, has funding from the National Science Foundation, (NSF Award number OCE-2349130), for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program to support undergraduate researchers during the fall semester 2026 (program starts August 24, ends November 13). 

An REU internship at ASU BIOS is a great way to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science. Participants will conduct research projects under the expert mentorship of BIOS scientists. Throughout the 12-week program, participants will give oral and virtual poster presentations that outline their research topic, experimental methods and results and attend a series of professional development workshops and seminars hosted by faculty members. In addition, they will provide a project report at the end of the program. Schedule and weather permitting, all participants will be offered an exciting opportunity to join an oceanographic research cruise aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer. Theywill also have the option to enjoy field and boat excursions to learn about Bermuda’s history, flora and fauna.  

Funding includes roundtrip air travel (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation and meals and a competitive stipend. Participants are solely responsible for their own medical/travel insurance.

Further information, including available research projects and a link to the online application form, can be found here: https://bios.asu.edu/education/nsf-reu

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences. 

Undergraduates from underrepresented groups or who are attending colleges or universities with limited STEM research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Application deadline is May 31, 2026

Questions? Contact us at bios.education@bios.asu.edu 

Conservation Corps work all over the U.S. on projects ranging in focus from Ecology to History: Conservation Legacy and Corps Network.  You can serve on a crew with other young(er) folks, or be placed individually.  Most positions will come with an AmeriCorps stipend, education award, and other benefits.

Open Positions

Biomedical Research Internships Resources (PDF)

Paid internships all around the country, ranging from 3 to 12 months, most with housing provided and an AmeriCorps Education award upon completion.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

For students and faculty in search of internships with government laboratories:

• Zintellect – Climb Higher
• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Summer and school-year internships with GSK, a science-led global healthcare and pharmaceutical company: