Hiring for FOUR field/lab tech positions, fall 2025!

Experienced researchers with skills in pollinator or plant ecology techniques are invited to apply for *four* open research technician positions. All positions are full time for three—six months at $18-25 per hour. Field research will take place in New England but is affiliated with Rachael Winfree’s lab group (winfreelab.com) at Rutgers University and Katie Turo’s lab group (katieturo.com) at Fordham University. All field technicians would be based at the Louis Calder Biological Field Station in Armonk, NY.

Research Project: Evidence-based conservation for native bees in northeastern deciduous forests This project is an NSF-funded collaboration between 2 academic institutions (Rutgers University, Fordham University) and 2 conservation non-profit organizations (Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Audubon Society).

Positions 1-3: Technicians will examine how habitat managed for bird conservation affects native bee communities in northern hardwood forests. Fieldwork will take place throughout the northeast (CT, NY, VT) and will be based at the Fordham University Field Station in Armonk, NY. Fieldwork will focus on collecting bees with active netting and passive pan trapping. The selected applicants will also work as a team to collect field data including stand composition, coarse woody debris, and floral abundance, as well as assisting with database tasks (pinning, identification). All housing and vehicles for transportation to fieldwork sites will be provided. Previous ecological field experience is essential; experience with native bees and/or forest inventory is strongly preferred. Target start date is March 31, 2026, $18-$22 per hour.

Position 4: A lead field technician will contribute to the above tasks and in addition be responsible for leading the research team during day-to-day activities. The lead technician will direct data collection while ensuring data quality and field safety, coordinate sampling logistics, serve as the point of contact for partnering landowners, and organize/order research supplies and equipment. In addition, prior to the start of the data collection, the lead field tech would be responsible for setting up canopy lines in research sites to facilitate canopy pan trapping (training will be provided). Previous leadership experience and ecological field research experience is essential; experience with native bees and/or forest inventory is strongly preferred. Target start date is February 1, 2026, $22-$25 per hour.

Positions 1-3 are for three months, from April through June. Based on performance and technician’s interest, there are opportunities for field technicians to extend their positions beyond the spring field season by assisting with either/or insect specimen processing and molecular analysis of pollen. Position 4 lasts four months or longer, depending on the preference of the hired candidate.

Additional qualifications: B.A. or B.S. degree in ecology or a related field, experience collecting ecological data and managing field research projects, strong organizational and logistical skills, ability to work independently for long hours under challenging field conditions, demonstrated commitment to data accuracy, very strong letters of reference, and a valid driver’s license (field vehicles will be provided, but field technicians must drive to sites) ). If technicians are interested in laboratory-based positions, experience with insect specimen curation and/or basic molecular techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, multichannel pipettes) is desired.

To apply: A letter of interest including your dates of availability, CV, which positions you are interested in, and contact information for three references who can speak to your field research skills and ability to do independent research. Combine all documents into a single PDF and name your file “Firstname_Lastname_NativeBee.pdf”. Then, email to Dr. Katie Turo (turo@fordham.edu). Use “native bee tech” as the subject line. Applications will be considered starting immediately and until the positions are filled.

Rutgers University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Postdocs

I am always happy to hear from researchers who are interested in joining the lab as a postdoc. Please send me an email with a brief statement of interest and your CV.

Graduate Students

I am looking for highly motivated, creative Ph.D students who bring enthusiasm and rigor to their research. In return you can expect from me the commitment to help you do your best work and achieve your scientific and career goals during your time in our lab. If this sounds like a good fit for you, please email me with a brief description of your research interests, your CV, your undergraduate transcript (unofficial is fine), and your GRE scores (including the percentile; unofficial is fine).

Undergraduates

We are always looking for self-motivated and scientifically curious undergraduates to join us in our research. From you, we expect dedication, commitment and careful work in the field and lab; from us, you can expect support in obtaining independent funding for your research, developing your research skills and ideas, and presenting your work at conferences and/or in peer reviewed publications. If you are interested in applying, please email Dr. Rachael Winfree to describe why you want to join the lab, and include your major and GPA.