Research Assistant Intern (REU)

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 program.  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 develop and complete their own independent research project related to EVOME’s core 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 in Arctic Alaska, including collecting vegetation, soil, water, terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and environmental data, identifying aquatic and terrestrial organisms and completing field surveys. The REU student will gain experience working with a multi-disciplinary team, including scientists from the Woodwell Center, University of Connecticut, Columbia University, University of Alaska, University of Alabama and Macalester University.

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

• Conduct and report on an independent project using data collected in summer 2025

• Based in the Toolik Field Station in Fairbanks, AK

Required 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, hip-deep waters and marshlands)

• 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 word processing, data management and presentation software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent programs)

• Ability to camp in rustic conditions for up to one week at a time

• Ability to be in the Arctic for the duration of this position

• Some field or personal outdoor experience is preferred

• CPR/Basic first aid certificate before job start

• Ability to travel and be based in the Arctic for duration of internship

Qualifications:

• Enrolled and/or appropriate coursework within Environmental Science, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Aquatic Ecology, or Natural Resources

• Must be eligible to work for Woodwell Climate in the USA without current or future visa sponsorship 

Physical Requirements:

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

• Ability to lift 40 pounds

• Ability to communicate

• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

• Ability to use phone and computers

• Repetitive movements

• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations

• Ability to drive a large truck on a gravel road to access field locations is preferred. 

• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations

• 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

Application review will begin ongoing 

Desired Start Date: June 16 2025 (Toolik Field Station in Fairbanks, AK) 

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, fixed stipend, fixed duration position. In addition to stipend, room, board and travel to and from Toolik Field station provided.  

Location: Toolik Field Station, Fairbanks, Alaska

Application Instructions: To apply, please upload  a single PDF including your cover letter addressing your experience (including personal outdoor activities) and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position. Please be sure to include a cover letter.

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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell

WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.

The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.

Woodwell acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.

We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.