Biological Science

We are seeking a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) for the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research program, which is housed in the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). The REU will work closely with the graduate students and technical staff to study wildfire severity and vegetation recovery. The REU will work as a part of a team traveling to plots across Interior Alaska by truck and helicopter. They will be based in Fairbanks, but some camping will be required to visit outlying sites. We are seeking a motivated person who is adaptable, willing to learn, and can handle fieldwork in remote conditions that can be wet, cold, and buggy. More than your experience, we value your attitude!

Stipend: $9000. The REU will be expected to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the summer, from June 9 to August 13. Travel to Alaska and lodging are not provided. We are committed to reducing barriers to fieldwork and will provide all necessary personal fieldwork and camping gear.

General duties and responsibilities

• Collecting plant and soil samples
• Performing vegetation and tree surveys
• Fieldwork preparation
• Data entry
• Data quality control

Minimum qualifications

• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be over 18 years of age
• Be able to walk through uneven terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field gear

Preferred qualifications

• The skills to identify plants
• Experience with taking tree measurements
• The ability to spend long hours outside
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a research team
• The ability to pay attention to detail
• A desire to live and work in remote settings

Please send as one PDF document a short cover letter and CV/resume to xanthe.walker@nau.edu. The position is open until filled, and we will review applications on a rolling basis.

Job Title: Seasonal Fisheries Interns (field and laboratory), 2 – 3 total

Location: Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL

When: May through August of 2025, start date flexible and contract may be extended depending on performance.

Salary $1200 per month stipend for interns

Description: The Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Eastern Illinois University is seeking several seasonal fisheries interns to assist with general field and laboratory work associated with graduate research projects. Current projects include invasive carp reproductive ecology, stream fish community monitoring, and sportfish population dynamics on the Wabash River. Field work duties will include assisting graduate students with a variety of fisheries surveys, recording biological and environmental data, and maintaining field equipment. Fisheries surveys will be conducted on a variety of streams, rivers (Wabash and Illinois Rivers), and reservoirs throughout Central Illinois. Surveys will include barge electrofishing, electric seining, larval fish sampling, boat electrofishing, hoop netting, collection of water quality samples, and macroinvertebrate sampling. Laboratory work will include processing larval fish samples, assisting with water quality measurements, assisting with stream fish identification, assisting with fish aging techniques, and maintaining a clean and organized lab space.

Qualifications: Progress toward, or completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or closely related field, and fisheries experience or related fields are preferred. Must be willing to work extended hours in the field or lab, occasionally in inclement weather or conditions. Must be able to carry 40 pounds of gear into and out of sampling locations. Will include occasional overnight travel during multiple day surveys.

To Apply: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Using subject line EIU Technician, Last Name, please email cover letter, CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references to:

Dan Roth

Fisheries Researcher and Laboratory Manager

Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

drroth@eiu.edu

217-581-3100

REU position with a research team from Oregon State University at the HJ Andrews LTER – complete position information is described in this link.

Opportunity:  Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern Position studying forest microclimate and fungal symbiont effects on seedling success

Position period: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks, flexible on start date)

Location:  H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Oregon and Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

Review of applications will start April 4, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

The Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking an intern starting Spring 2025. The intern will support multiple components of a research project that examines the responses of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) population to an active island restoration project.

The Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island (Poplar Island) presents a unique opportunity to understand how large-scale ecological restoration projects affect terrapin populations. The two focal components of the project are (1) evaluating the current terrapin population on Poplar Island and how the population responds as the Poplar Island’s restoration progresses, and available habitat increases and (2) continue the Terrapin Education and Research Partnership (TERP), which places hatchlings into local classrooms and evaluate the success of released hatchlings into the population. The intern will support the project by participating in field work including (1) field capture and release of diamondback terrapins using fyke nets and modified crab traps, (2) marking individual captured terrapins using Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and collecting morphometric data on adult and hatchling terrapins (3) conducting terrapin nest surveys, protecting intact nests and collecting emerged hatchlings and (4) capturing eastern kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), eastern rat snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) and common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) when encountered and collecting morphometric data including marking with PIT tags. Other responsibilities may include organizing and cleaning gear for field work, entering data and working with volunteers or other interns, and communicating project activities.  

The intern will have the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of diamondback terrapin ecology and conservation, obtain experience working within a research lab and as part of a team, learn about research design and methods for ecological data collection, develop data management and analysis skills, and participate in science communication.

We are seeking applicants with some (but not necessarily all) of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology or related field
• Experience with fieldwork, in hot, humid conditions with biting insects
• Experience in data management (collecting, recording, entering, organizing)
• Experience in capturing and handling reptiles
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work as part of a team

Compensation: $700/week

Duration: 8 weeks with potential to extend depending on budget

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025, but will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.

A mutually agreeable start date will be determined with the selected applicant. We anticipate a start date in early May 2025. This will be an in-person internship with field work taking place on Poplar Island, Maryland with some office work in Edgewater, Maryland. Onsite Housing at SERC may be available.

To apply, please email a resume that highlights relevant experiences to Patricia Levasseur (levasseurp@si.edu).

For more information about our lab, please visit our website: https://serc.si.edu/labs/spatial-ecology-and-conservation

Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for a 10-week expense-paid internship in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

About the project: MELNHE (Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems) is the longest-running N by P factorial fertilization study in a temperate forest anywhere in the world. Since 2011, we have been conducting nutrient manipulations in 13 stands in Bartlett Experimental Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Jeffers Brook. The MELNHE project presents many opportunities for short- and long-term research. More information is available at https://www.esf.edu/melnhe/, including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description:  Interns will be guided in the design of their research projects and will interact closely with graduate students and senior research scientists from SUNY-ESF, Cornell, University of New Hampshire, and Miami University. Interns will gain a wide variety of skills by assisting in all ongoing projects. Interns have the opportunity to present their results at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting in July.

Possible research topics include:

Stem mapping: Tree locations can be used to assess competition and to interpret the effects of tree size and species on many of  the variables we measure, such as soil respiration, root biomass, and herbaceous plants. Our current MELNHE stem maps need to be updated to include the most recent ingrowth (tagged during tree inventory in 2023). Experience with ArcGIS would be helpful but is not required.

Experimental beech leaf disease treatment and monitoring: This project includes applying treatments to selected beech trees and monitoring their canopy condition. Treatments are centered around testing the ability of phosphite and potassium to mitigate BLD symptoms, either as they arise or after being established. 

Measuring soil respiration: Soil respiration in our plots has been increasing steadily since 2012, and these trends are not explained by increasing temperature. If photosynthesis is increasing in response to elevated CO2 but carbon is not stored as biomass and is instead respired off, this is important to global carbon budgets. 

Work days typically begin at 8:00 and end at 4:00, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the day’s activities. Interns are provided with shared housing near Bartlett Experimental Forest. A stipend of $200 per week is provided for living expenses. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs for groceries average $6-7 per day. Mileage to and from sites will be covered at the federal mileage reimbursement rate, but initial transportation to NH will not be covered.

Desired Qualifications:  Ideal applicants will have a strong interest in forest biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or geospatial analysis. Undergraduate students and recent graduates will be considered. A positive attitude is important and a sense of humor is a plus. Willingness to work and live in a communal setting is critical. Candidates should be able to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail in a field setting under adverse conditions. Applicants should be flexible in their expectations, but an estimated breakdown of the summer is: 60% fieldwork, 15% lab work, 10% data management, and 15% research proposals and reports of independent projects. 

To Apply:  Please send one pdf file including your statement of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Erica Albertson and Sara Sternick (Yanai.forestecology.lab@gmail.com). Your statement of interest should include a ranking of the three research topics. We will begin interviewing selected applicants in early March and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The field season will begin on June 1 and ends on August 15; let us know if your availability differs from those dates.

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. New openings start in spring 2025 (Between Mar 1-Apr 30). Start dates for the openings are flexible and up for negotiation. 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 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/361154/, seek jobID: 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 the three electronically:
-A cover letter (including available working dates)
-One-page resume
-Contact information (email + phone number) for 2-3 references

Position contact:

Raimundo Bermudez
bermu019@umn.edu
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota

FULLY FUNDED MARINE 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 2025 (program starts August 25, ends November 14). 

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. Potential areas of research for 2025 include:

• Coral Ecophysiology
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Marine eDNA
• Marine Invertebrate Physiology
• Marine Microbiology
• Oceanography
• Zooplankton Ecology

Throughout the 12-week semester, 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 return air travel (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation and meals and a competitive stipend. (Medical/travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the student).

Further information, including a link to the online application form, can be found here: https://bios.asu.edu/education/research-experiences-undergraduates-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. 

Application deadline is May 31

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.

MANO (My Access to Network Opportunities) Project, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation, builds and develops young leaders of color who share a passion for serving and strengthening their communities. We partner with federal land management agencies (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many more!) to offer robust and hands-on internship and fellowship opportunities for those pursuing college degrees (undergraduate and graduate) or recently graduated individuals. All of our internships and fellowships are rooted in supporting the Conservation of our Natural Resources through diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) positions. 

Apply for Internships through MANO

New internship opportunities open on a rolling basis so we encourage you to visit our page on a monthly basis. If you see a position is open past the end date, it is still accepting applicants and you are encouraged to apply.

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: