Mission:

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

Responsibilities include but not limited:

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.

Must have the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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

Qualifications:

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

Physical Requirements:

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 sustained periods

Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

Reaching overhead

Climbing ladders

Use of manual and power tools including shovels, saws, drills, and hammers

Ability to lift, carry, push/pull up to 40 lbs. up to 10 times/day

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted in:

A variety of environments, both indoor and/or outdoor

Hours of Work:

This role is paid on a stipend basis.

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Sunday, typically Monday thru Friday. However, this is a stipend position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend hours and/or hours beyond 40 per week.

Application review will begin ongoing

Desired Start Date: Dates are variable depending on the project, starting May or June 2026

Fixed-term: 8 weeks

Classification and Compensation: This is a temporary, full-time, internship with a fixed stipend ($600/week), fixed duration position. In addition to stipend, room, board and travel to and from Toolik Field station provided. All new hires are subject to passing background checks prior to starting.

Location: Toolik Field Station, Alaska (Milepost 284.5 Dalton Highway, North Slope, AK 68° 38'N, 149° 36'W) and other camp sites

Application review will begin ongoing

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications (including personal outdoor activities) in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF to our career’s portal. If selected, you will need to provide 3 professional references.

Please visit Woodwell, EVOME and Toolik Field Station websites to learn more about our work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.