Research Assistant Intern; EVOME

Overview

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis. Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary Join Woodwell s Evolving Meta-Ecosystems (EVOME) Institute in the Alaskan Arctic as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student. EVOME explores adaptive responses of key organisms to climate change and their influence on cross-ecosystem function along a latitudinal gradient spanning south to north of the Brooks Mountains in Alaska. The REU student will participate in interdisciplinary research and will complete a research project developed with their mentor related to EVOME’s science objectives, including spatial ecology, population structure and/or community dynamics in stream-riparian ecosystems.

Fieldwork involves collection of ecological, genetic, and species trait data and samples across a broad latitudinal gradient and experiments in Arctic Alaska. The REU student will gain experience working with a multi-disciplinary team, including mentoring scientists and graduate students from the Woodwell Center, University of Connecticut, Columbia University, University of Alaska, University of Alabama and Macalester University.

We are seeking five REU students to participate in EVOME research projects during the upcoming field season:

• Willow Ecology (Mentor from Macalester College):
  Measure physiological traits of willows in common gardens and along the environmental transect
• Insect Ecology (Mentor from University of Alabama):
  Assess insect diversity using multiple sampling approaches (e.g., Surber samplers, pitfall traps, sweep nets, sticky or emergence traps), with optional trait or herbivory analyses focused on expanding shrub communities
• Fish Ecology (Mentor from University of Alaska):
  Quantify abundance and physiological traits of Arctic grayling across the landscape (e.g., diet, organ size, energy density, enzymatic activity)
• Willow Ecology and Genomics (Mentors from University of Connecticut):
  Establish and monitor willow common gardens in Fairbanks and Toolik and contribute to bioinformatic analyses of newly assembled willow genomes
• Bird Ecology (Mentors from University of Nevada and Columbia University):
  Monitor bird phenology, conduct bird banding, track nests using temperature loggers and GoPro cameras, and assess reproductive success

• Participate in field and laboratory measurements.
• Process and analyze project data.
• Travel to multiple remote Arctic field sites by truck and on foot.
• Develop, conduct and report on an independent project using data collected in summer 2026.
• Present project at a research forum, either at Toolik field station or their home institution.

• Ability and willingness to endure exposure to sun, insects, and challenging environmental conditions, such as working in snow or rain
• Ability and capable of rigorous outdoor activity (wear a 40 lb backpack, lifting approx. 40 pounds, bending, carrying heavy equipment, and walking through uneven terrain through snow, hip-deep waters, and tundra)
• Ability to camp in rustic conditions for up to one week at a time
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as a member of a team, and the ability to communicate with colleagues
• Familiarity with best practices for field safety
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workstation, data management and presentation software (e.g. Word/Docs, Excel/Spreadsheets, and PowerPoint/Slides or equivalent programs)
• In the field, see the physical requirements of this role below
• Ability to be in the Arctic for the 8 week duration of this position
• CPR/Basic first aid certificate before prior to start date
• Some field or personal outdoor experience is desired

• Enrolled and appropriate coursework within Environmental Science, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Aquatic Ecology, or Natural Resources
• Must be enrolled in a degree program leading to baccalaureate or associate degree
• Must be eligible to work for Woodwell in the US, now and in the future without visa sponsorship

• In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:
• Air, train, vehicle travel to field site and to access field locations
• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations
• Camping at remote locations without running water and in tents
• Paddling, canoeing to access field locations
• Standing and sitting for…