Never has the world been in greater need of biological scientists. 

Graduates with a B.S in Biological Science from UVM are well prepared to begin careers in technical, teaching, and consulting roles in many fields, such as health care, environmental consulting, biomedical research, pharmaceutical industry, government, or conservation.  Many students choose to pursue advanced studies leading to M.S., Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M. degrees and subsequent employment in academia, industry, governent agencies (e.g. USDA, USGS, USFS, US Department of Fish and Game), and the health sciences professions.

 

See where their B.S. degree in Biological Science has taken some of our recent graduates:

Alyssa Neuhaus - '20

Alyssa is now a master’s student in the UVM Biology department, and has been working on understanding the spillover of malaria parasites into the Common Loon. Alyssa was awarded two graduate research awards to help fund her research including a highly competitive American Ornithological Society Student Research Award and the John Wheeler Graduate Student Research & Development Award. With these funds and through broad collaboration she has been screening loons from across the southern edge of their breeding range for malaria parasite infection by PCR. Through further collaboration with entomologists and the help of undergraduate assistants, Alyssa has also been working to identify the mosquito vectors responsible for transmitting malaria parasites to loons. Alyssa recently presented her research at the joint meeting of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, and received an honorable mention for her presentation.

Stefanie Geiger '18

student in the lab

Stefanie works as a research scientist at Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Her days consist of working on various projects involving cell culture and lab meetings with her coworkers. While at UVM, she studied in the Honors College and participated in the Distinguished Undergraduate Research program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Stefanie did her research with Dr. Bryan Ballif, studying protein signaling. “What drew me to this position in particular is that since it was related to a hospital, we were doing science that is being used in clinical trials or improving clinical trials. There’s a pretty big connection in what we were doing and actually getting to patients,” she said. Stefanie’s strong network and personal connections helped her find a job in a field she was interested in.

Laurel Haines '17

student in front of research poster

Laurel is currently working as a research associate for the biotech company, Matrivax Research and Development in Boston, Massachusetts. During her undergraduate studies at UVM, Laurel spent plenty of time in lab settings. She used her network of university students and staff to learn about internship opportunities, which ultimately led to her her current position at Matrivax where she works on vaccines. “I am definitely excited and fulfilled by knowing that what I’m working on is on a path to move towards a clinical trial and could actually impact people’s lives. That’s the part I find most rewarding,” said Haines. Laurel hopes her vaccine research will soon move into clinical trials and be available for people around the world to prevent disease. 

Miriam Kasten '17

hiker with mountains in the background

Miriam is a medical assistant at Four Seasons Dermatology in Colchester, Vermont. She is responsible for gathering patient information, taking patients' vitals, and relaying the information to the patient’s provider. She also assists in biopsies and surgeries. “I find it very fulfilling when I feel that I have helped someone. We deal with a lot of skin cancers here and telling somebody they have a skin cancer can be difficult. Just taking time, being patient and making somebody feel comfortable is a really nice feeling,” she said. As an undergraduate at UVM, she was able to gain experience working in the lab and volunteering at the UVM Medical Center, where she has started a mentorship program working with incarcerated women at the women's prison in South Burlington, VT. Miriam is preparing to go to medical school and is interested in specializing in cardiology, ENT or women’s health.

Job-Seeker Websites:

Campus - Williams building

_________________________________

Opportunities for recent graduates:

*New postings as of 9/18!

(also check here: www.uvm.edu/biologicalscience/seasonal-job-opportunities)

*Biological Science Tech - OR

Permanent Biological Science Technician with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (federal agency) in Burns, Oregon with the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Applicants may qualify for federal system levels GS-5 through GS-9 ($39,576-77,955), depending upon experience and education (see links below for the details).

The position is advertised through two different announcements:
Public: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/809065300
Merit promotion: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/809065000

Duties include:

  • Collect plant and soil data in a field environment including grasslands and shrublands.

  • Maintain, calibrate, and modify specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.

  • Maintain, record, locate, and compile data from various sources.

Contact Stella Copeland, stella.copeland@usda.gov, with questions.

*Research Asst. Forest Ecology - OR

The LaManna lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University is currently looking to hire 1-2 enthusiastic research technicians with experience in forest-survey techniques and/or Pacific Northwest tree and plant identification skills to address questions related to the maintenance of plant species diversity in old-growth forests along a 1,000 m elevational gradient in the Western Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The work will occur at the Andrews Experimental Forest, an NSF Long-tern Ecological Research (LTER) site that is located roughly 45 minutes east of Eugene, Oregon. The area is known for its recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking, scenic volcanoes, and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Pay will be commensurate with experience, and apartment-style housing at the Andrews Forest field station will be provided. Anticipated start date is 10/7/2024, and position will run through 11/27/2024 (8 weeks).

Duties and Responsibilities: Mapping, measuring, and identifying trees, plants, seedlings and other forest ecology techniques. Assessment of tree health and/or causes of tree mortality. Planting seedlings for large-scale field experiment. Using GPS, laser rangefinders, and other forest survey equipment. Work outside in a beautiful location.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have a university degree in appropriate area of biology. Previous experience working in an outdoor setting, measuring ecological processes and patterns. Enthusiasm is a must.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Experience identifying trees and herbaceous plants of the Pacific Northwest would be preferred but not required.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and resume (as PDF files), as well as the names and contact information for at least two professional references, and send all this information in an email to Dr. Joe LaManna (joseph.lamanna@marquette.edu). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Please apply as soon as possible, and email Dr. LaManna with any questions.

*Temp freshwater tech - USVI

Temporary Technician Position - Surveying for freshwater fishes in the US Virgin Islands:

  • Salary: $20 an hour, housing and transportation provided

  • Duration: November 2024 through January 2025 (Exact dates dependent on weather)

  • Deadline: Application review will begin September 30th. Position will remain open until filled.

We are seeking individuals with an interest in biology, ecology, and natural resources to survey freshwater streams and ponds throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Primary duties include assisting a graduate student with: Backpack Electrofishing, Seine netting, Culvert and Barrier Assessment, Measuring water quality and habitat features, Species identification and specimen processing, Data entry, Other duties as necessary.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have some experience working in streams, conducting backpack electrofishing and/or other survey techniques. Education toward a career in biology/fisheries is desired. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations will be critical. Technicians are expected to pack up to 50 pounds through dense forest conditions, often on slippery terrain. There will be networking opportunities and collaboration with local agencies. Must be willing to work flexible hours.
Contact: Please send application packets to Brandon Peoples (peoples@clemson.edu) and Jacob Laurain (jlaurai@clemson.edu) with the subject “USVI Technician Application”. Packets should include a single PDF with a 1) cover letter and 2) Resume/CV including at least 3 references.

*Zoo Husbandry Tech - TN

Full-time Conservation & Research Husbandry Technician at the Memphis Zoo: The position will act as a primary caregiver to the Conservation and Research Department's living animal collection, which includes a large breeding colony of Louisiana pine snakes and dusky gopher frogs, and smaller groups of a variety of invertebrates. The Research Husbandry Technician is also responsible for ensuring a positive guest experience when interacting with guests and facilitating research and conservation chats.

Position starts in October 2024.

Full info: https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers

*Turkey Field Techs - WV

Application Deadline: September 20, 2024

Starting date: After January 1, 2025 (start and end date flexible); Possibility of one position starting early in Nov 2024.

Position and Salary: $15/hr. Up to 4 Full-time Wildlife Technician Positions, each about a 6-month appointment (January through June; start and end date flexible) with the possibility of extension.

Housing: Housing and work vehicle will be provided.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, USGS WV Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, and West Virginia University are conducting research on Wild Turkey ecology in WV. The project focuses on both biological (nesting and survival) and sociological (hunter surveys and response of turkeys to hunters) aspects. The Technician(s) will assist project leaders and graduate students with various aspects of Wild Turkey surveying including live trapping, attaching radio transmitters, tracking turkeys, nest surveys, vegetation surveys, brood counts, deployment of automated recording units (ARUs), and other forms of data collection and entry relevant to the project objectives. This position includes both field work (85%) and office/data assignments (15%).

Lab supervisor: Laura Gigliotti

Full info: https://lauragigliotti.weebly.com/join-the-lab.html

*Ecology & climate-smart agriculture Tech - TX

The Gomez-Casanovas Lab at Texas A&M seeks a highly motivated full-time Technician II interested in investigating the impact of grassland restoration and climate-smart strategies affect the biogeochemistry of ecosystems. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. For more details and to apply: https://sites.google.com/view/gomez-casanovas/job-openings

*Acoustics Data Technician - CA

An entry-level Data Technician position is available at Conservation Metrics, Inc. The Data Technician processes data from automated sensors to detect and classify sounds from wildlife survey and monitoring projects. The position supports CMI's operations team.

Position Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Compensation: $20.50 per hour, 38 hours per week (4-day work week)

Benefits: Benefits package includes paid time off, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, and retirement plan matching

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Manages data intake process for a range of projects including shipping coordination

  • Responsible for data cleaning, data entry, and file transfer using tools in R

  • Reviews datasets and labels signals of interest (in particular seabird calls)

  • Works collaboratively with our team of analysts and managers

  • Communicates clearly and effectively with CMI's operations team

  • Takes thorough notes and pays attention to detail while working on a variety of projects and datasets

  • Performs other duties as directed

  • Accurately tracks time and progress toward project goals

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

  • BA/BS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Computer/Data Science, Applied Math or related discipline

  • Experience with data science techniques and/or script-based software (R, Python, Matlab)

  • Ability/Interest in learning new data analysis techniques

  • Experience with, or interest in, automated sensors and remote sensing technology

  • Experience with, or interest in, monitoring outcomes of wildlife conservation projects in particular related to seabirds, bats, and songbirds

  • Ability to work independently while multitasking, to solve problems with limited supervision, to prioritize and meet deadlines, and to contribute to creative solutions

  • Familiarity working with Google, Dropbox, and Microsoft tools

  • This is an in-office position Monday-Thursday, preference given to those already living in the Santa Cruz area or those willing and able to relocate quickly

About Conservation Metrics: Conservation Metrics provides automated alternatives to historically labor-intensive wildlife survey efforts.  Acoustic sensors are powerful monitoring tools capable of generating rich datasets for a variety of applications. These technologies enable users to collect data over long periods of time, often in remote and hard-to-access locations.  Automated acoustic sensors allow researchers to expand the spatial and temporal scale of surveys, and CMI's machine learning classification techniques make it possible to automate the detection and quantification of vocal activity.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume or CV including contact information for 3 references using the form available at this URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtuhRBtcwVMKpxEWJsYmEIk_0gLQmSr0mStlm0WAcL8rY5fQ/viewform

Additional questions can be directed to Kerry Dunleavy at: technicianjob@conservationmetrics.com

*Internships, Climate Science - NH

This unique internship is a collaborative effort between the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. Each organization contributes to public understanding of the weather, climate, and ecology of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The focus of this internship will be on creating a yearly almanac that effectively communicates changes to the climatology and biology of the White Mountains to a general audience. See: https://mountwashington.org/internships/ for both listings (the research internship and communications internship).

Ecology Research Internships - FL

Information about Research Internships at Archbold Biological Station, Venus, Florida: https://www.archbold-station.org/internships/.  These are generally 9-months or more, and designed for post-baccs considering graduate school in an ecological focus.

Careers page with current internship openings: https://www.archbold-station.org/careers/

Cary Institute - NY

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is dedicated to understanding how ecosystems work. Our scientists are global experts in the ecology of: freshwater, forests, disease, and cities. Through collaborative efforts, we apply our science to policy and management that protects the environment and improves human wellbeing.  The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies campus is in Millbrook, NY.

http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs

Internships & Jobs, Chicago Botanic

Wetlands Institute - NJ

The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit organization in southern New Jersey whose mission is to promote appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, education and conservation. 

Internships:  http://wetlandsinstitute.org/education/internship-opportunities/

Employment: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/

EMMA Seasonal Ecological Monitoring - ID/MT/NV/WY

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) employs many seasonal field technicians through their Ecological Mapping, Monitoring and Analysis (EMMA) program, which supports informed management of public lands in the West. EMMA’s cadre of trained ecologists and biologists collect data in upland, wetland and aquatic habitats, using protocols developed by our own team and by partner agencies. Our GIS and data specialists map wetlands and riparian areas, and assist EMMA scientists with the analysis of spatial and tabular data sets.

https://www.umt.edu/center-rocky-mountain-west/emma/employment_opportunities/default.php

NorthWoods Stewardship Center - VT/ME/CT

Seeds of Success techs - US west

Several organizations sponsor and organize Seeds of Success (SOS) crews throughout the US west during the field season:

  • Institute for Applied Ecology: https://appliedeco.org/get-involved/jobs/

  • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/about/employment/

  • Chicago Botanic Garden (https://www.chicagobotanic.org/jobs; search for "technician" or "seeds"): Our Conservation and Land Management Program (CLM) offers real-world experience to recent college graduates and early-career professionals interested in land management, applied ecology, botany, and native seed collection.  We hire folks to work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (USFS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  SOS positions include Field Technicians and Botanists.  These positions will start between February and early June, and end between August and late-October, depending on the location.  Please direct questions to Chris Woolridge at: cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org.  

 

National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra.  Opportunities: https://www.neonscience.org/get-involved/work-opportunities

Great Basin ecological monitoring - US west

The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and service through the west.  GBI recruits Field Technicians to work with GBI and BLM staff for the field season.  Available positions: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/

 

Eco/Evolution Intern - Trinidad

Research interns are needed to assist in a multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator, experimental study of the evolution of species interactions in Trinidad, West Indies. The research is led by Professors David Reznick (University of California, Riverside), Joseph Travis (Florida State University), Tim Coulson (University of Oxford), and Ron Bassar (Auburn University).  We seek to integrate multiple biological fields for the study of these interactions in experimental populations of guppies and killifish in Trinidad. Duties include assisting in monthly censuses of guppy and killifish populations in montane streams and helping to execute experiments in on-site artificial streams. The monthly censuses include long hours in the field and laboratory.
 
Interns will be required to spend a minimum of 3 months in Trinidad, with possibility of extension. There are potential start dates in April 2023 and every month thereafter until September 2024. We will pay a monthly stipend, cover all travel, living expenses, travel insurance, and provide housing. 

Qualifications: We seek interns who are entertaining the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in some area of ecology and evolution and who wish to gain some additional field research experience before doing so.  Research will take place in semi-remote areas of Trinidad, sometimes under bad weather conditions. Applicants must be able to live and work well with others. Research will involve carrying heavy packs over slippery and steep terrain. Applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to meet the demands of field research under these conditions. Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle is desirable but not required. Applicants with first-aid/first responder training, skills in automobile maintenance, and construction skills are highly desirable. Please address these skills when applying.

Please see our website (www.theguppyproject.weebly.com) for more information on the project and access to reprints.  Be sure to check out our video menu, which includes "guppy censuses" as submenu VII.  It details the main tasks associated with the internship.

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the names and e-mail addresses of three or more professional references to David Reznick (gupy@ucr.edu). At least two of the references should be academics.

Ecology Technicians - GA

The Jones Center at Ichauway hires various seasonal technicians throughout the year. On-site housing is provided on a limited basis but is optional.  https://www.jonesctr.org/jobs/

Ecology & Biogeochemistry Research - MA/AK

Woodwell Climate Research Center seeks applicants for multiple field assistant positions:  

Details: https://www.woodwellclimate.org/careers/

 

Walker Basin Conservancy - NV

The Walker Basin Conservancy leads the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin. The Conservancy acquires water rights and ranches to increase freshwater flows to Walker Lake, re-establishes native plant communities on former agricultural fields, increases public access and recreation opportunities, and develops practical solutions to save Walker Lake.  https://www.walkerbasin.org/

Seasonal Field Biologists - OR/CA

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) hires multiple field biologists for the field season, including Post-fire Riparian Vegetation, Aquatic Ecology, Pollinators, birds & bats, and red tree voles.  The research projects take place in Oregon and Northern California.   Position lengths and start/end dates vary.  See list of opportunities here: https://www.ncasi.org/about-ncasi/careers/ 
 

US Conservation Corps

Conservation Corps throughout the US host crews and interns for research, conservation, education, and interpretation: https://jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers.

Internships of various lengths with varied foci - botany, ecology, trails, resources, history, etc.  There are group internship programs where you'd be one of many, and also designated "individual placement" internships.

General Benefits: Living Stipend, Housing or housing allowance, training; AmeriCorps Education Award, and often a certificate that allows for competitive hiring for US government jobs.