Employer: Joseph Munoz (he/him)
Description:
The Vander Zanden Lab is looking to hire a curious and motivated undergraduate student to work in the field and lab this summer. The position is based at the Center for Limnology’s (CFL) Hasler Lab (Madison) and will support a project studying native fish resilience to climate change. The student will have the opportunity to collect wild fish from lakes and streams using backpack and/or boat electrofishing, maintain and care for laboratory fish, and conduct thermal tolerance experiments. Additional duties may include assisting with other projects occurring in the Vander Zanden lab, including monitoring the microbial communities in Lake Mendota responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and monitoring invasive zebra mussel populations. The student must be willing to have occasional long days, work in uncomfortable weather conditions, work on a boat, and handle live fish.
Having students with different life experiences and backgrounds is critical to ensure the exchange of diverse ideas which is necessary in training tomorrow’s scientists. Because we are actively working to increase diversity and inclusivity in our discipline, underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Assistance with collecting fish and water samples from Wisconsin streams and lakes
- Assistance with sample preparation and laboratory analysis
- Feeding and maintaining husbandry of laboratory animals
- Data entry and analysis
- General support of project team
Qualifications:
- Experience working in a laboratory setting
- Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions
- Strong interest in scientific research
- Comfortable handling live organisms
- Valid driver’s license which meets UW Risk Management standards is required.
Details:
- Number of positions: 1
- Start date: mid/lat May 2026
- End date: mid/late August 2026
- Pay: $14.50 no experience; $14.75 some experience; $15.00 very experienced
Location:
This position is based full-time at Hasler Lab at the Center for Limnology in Madison, WI.
How to apply:
- Application link
- Priority consideration deadline: February 27
- We accept applications until all positions are filled.
- Indicate preference for Fish Ecology/Climate Change Field & Laboratory Assistant on your application and contact Joseph Munoz if you have any questions.
The CFL is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to an inclusive and positive working environment for all.