Temporary Summer Research Assistant

The Woodwell Climate Research Center is seeking a Temporary Summer Research Assistant for its Evolving Meta-Ecosystems project in Fairbanks, AK. The role involves leading fieldwork on stream ecosystem ecology, managing databases, and analyzing ecological data across a 300-mile Arctic region. Candidates must be willing to work in remote locations, conduct field surveys, and possess skills in aquatic sampling and lab analysis. This position requires extended stays at field sites.
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMission:

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) project as a Research Assistant I in stream ecosystem ecology contributing to the EvoME Institute. We are looking for a broadly trained ecologist to lead research on stream/riparian ecosystem responses to environmental change such as species composition changes (aquatic and terrestrial), litter inputs and decomposition, metabolism, nutrient uptake and trophic subsidies. Our cross-disciplinary research investigates multiple species’ responses to changes in river and streamside willows in Arctic environments by conducting landscape surveys and large-scale experiments across a thermal/genomic gradient of 300 miles from the Yukon River to the Arctic Coastal plain.


Responsibilities include but not limited:

Work both independently and collaboratively as a field team leader with EvoME Institution PIs, students, and other researchers to complete fieldwork, process samples, and enter, manage, analyze and interpret and and write journal articles

Develop and manage databases and workflows across multiple collaborating institutions for the collection, sharing and archiving the data collected by the institute

Communicate well both verbally and in writing to non-science audiences.

The fieldwork involves collection of ecological, genetic, and species trait data and samples across a 300 mile latitudinal gradient in Arctic Alaska, including vegetation, soil, water, terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and environmental data, identifying aquatic and terrestrial organisms, assessing and monitoring species traits, collecting genetic samples, and completing environmental field surveys.

Assists in project planning, supervise and schedule work of other assistants or interns and provide mentorship, required.

Must have the following skills, knowledge and abilities:

Willing to live at field sites (Arctic Alaska at Toolik Field Station in North Slope AK, or camping) for extended periods (up to 3 months)

Experience with diverse aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., stream discharge, metabolism experiments, TASSC additions, soil samples, weather station)

Experience in chemical lab analysis of carbon and nitrogen, nutrients, % organic matter, chlorophyll, etc

Willing to travel via foot, truck, plane, helicopter, or boat; work long/unusual schedules; camp in remote Alaska with a team of five

Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles) over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field equipment and field gear

Ability to lift, push, pull up to 10 times/day and carry up to 40 lbs for up to 5-8 miles

Self-motivated leader with critical thinking skills; works independently and collaboratively

Organizes and enters field data into spatial/tabular databases

Experience with stream ecosystem research and eco-evolutionary interactions

Familiar with complex database management (preferred)

Professional, respectful communicator with team members, communities, landowners, and agencies

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree ecology, biology, ecosystem science, natural resources, data science or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience


Physical Requirements:

In the office/lab:

Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

Ability to lift 25 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:

Ability to work in variable (snow, rain, high and low temperatures) weather conditions in remote locations, often under physically demanding circumstances.

Valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and must qualify to drive government vehicles.

Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles) over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field equipment and field gear.

Willingness to work long hours or extended periods in an isolated setting.

Work may require physical exertion and/or physical strain to the point of fatigue.

Driving a vehicle, ATV or boat (canoe, kayak) to access field sites

Walking, hiking, climbing to access field sites

Standing, sitting, bending, squatting, and kneeling for sustained periods

Reaching and lifting overhead

Climbing ladders

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

Ability to lift, push, pull up to 10 times/day and carry up to 40 lbs for up to 5-8 miles

If selected, willing and able to share unofficial transcripts

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted in:

● A variety of indoor, lab and outdoor environments.

Hours of Work:

● This role is paid on an hourly, non- exempt, basis.

● Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek.

Application review will begin ongoing

Desired Start Date: May 2026




Fixed-term: 12 weeks




Classification and Compensation: This is a temporary, full-time, salaried, exempt position, the weekly salary starting at $700/week, dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.




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




Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position and curriculum vitae as a single PDF to our career’s portal.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s 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 Climate 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.









Salary: USD 36400 per year

Experience: 2 years required