Summer 2026 Field Crew

Overview

Paid Summer Field Crew Research Assistant (Undergraduate) — Cornell Lab, University of Richmond (Housing provided) Undergraduates interested in behavioral ecology and physiological ecology are invited to apply for a paid research position with the Cornell Lab’s summer field crew at the University of Richmond (UR). Successful applicants will gain rigorous scientific research experience that will prepare students for careers in biology and ecology, particularly those interested in graduate-level study. Research will focus on the ecology and behavior of wild birds and arthropods (insects and spiders) in their natural habitat. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about scientific inquiry and dedicated to contributing meaningfully to ecological research. In the field, student researchers will perform nest checks, catch wild birds and collect morphological measurements, apply leg bands (small, numbered ID band on the leg), assist with avian blood and fecal sample collection, and collect arthropod prey samples from chicks. This work involves working outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, rain), walking up/down steep hills, carrying equipment, and at times working in dense vegetation. In addition, students will complete non-field tasks such as data entry and quality control, analysis of nest camera videos on the computer, inventorying collected samples, and occasional outreach to the general public. Students must be able to follow written protocols, work independently and as part of a team, and take accurate and detailed data. Beginning May 10, field crew members will be required to complete rigorous online, fully remote training in preparation for the fully in-person field season (May 17–July 25). Schedule is 5 days/week with weekends covered in a regular rotation. All tasks described above are required. No experience necessary, all majors are welcome. This opportunity is for current UR students, non-UR students will be considered but no housing provided.