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) project as a Temporary Summer Research Assistant 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 articlesDevelop and manage databases and workflows across multiple collaborating institutions for the collection, sharing and archiving the data collected by the instituteCommunicate well both verbally and in writing to non-science audiencesThe 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 surveysAssists in project planning, supervise and schedule work of other assistants or interns and provide mentorship, requiredMust have the following Knowledge, Skills 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, etcWilling to travel via foot, truck, plane, helicopter, or boat; work long/unusual schedules; camp in remote Alaska with a team of fiveAbility to hike long distances (5-8 miles) over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field equipment and field gearAbility to lift, push, pull up to 10 times/day and carry up to 40 lbs for up to 5-8 milesSelf-motivated leader with critical thinking skills; works independently and collaborativelyPossesses or willing to develop technical computer based skills (statistics, stream metabolism modeling, database management, lab/field techniques, R code, possibly Python)Engages in data analysis, poster presentations and journal article writing with the teamExperienced in quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and database managementOrganizes and enters field data into spatial/tabular databasesExperience with stream ecosystem research and eco-evolutionary interactionsFamiliar with complex database management (preferred)Professional, respectful communicator with team members, communities, landowners, and agenciesQualifications: Bachelor’s degree ecology, biology, ecosystem science, natural resources, data science or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience or Masters degree ecology, biology, ecosystem science, natural resources, data sciencePhysical Requirements: In the office/lab:Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sittingAbility to lift 25 poundsAbility to communicateAbility to kneel, bend, and carry itemsAbility to use phone and computersRepetitive movementsAir, 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 milesIf selected, willing and able to share unofficial transcriptsWork 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 a salary basis.Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried 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 ongoingDesired Start Date: May or June 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° 38'N, 149° 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.
