Tick Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Tick Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid
positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with
field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field
season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying
the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City
and Long Island, and creating a tick urban surveillance system (TUSS)
intended to inform public health programs.
Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working
in the field conducting tick collection and identification, general
field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.
What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct field collections of ticks in a variety of NYC and Long Island
greenspaces
* Conduct data collection
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)
* Work as a part of a field crew of 3-4 people
* Engage with the park-going public and answer questions about our work
What you will bring:
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver's license and willingness to drive to field sites within
NYC and on Long Island
* Previous field experience is preferred but not required
This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May
to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances
and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not
exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island
may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.
This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable
of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain,
heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.).
Compensation: $22.50/hour.
To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with
your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our
lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.
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Avian Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Avian Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid
positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with
field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field
season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the
eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and
Long Island, and inform public health programs.
Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working
in the field conducting avian sampling (including mist-netting, IDing,
banding, processing, and blood collection), general field research
techniques, and science engagement with the public.
What you will do (one or more of):
* Participate in avian point counts
* Conduct avian banding surveys using mist nets
* Collect and process avian biological samples
* Collect and process bird-attached ticks
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of 3-4
people Required qualifications:
* Previous experience handling, extracting birds from mist nets, and
banding birds is required
* Available early mornings and weekends, flexible schedule (due to the
unpredictable nature of fieldwork)
* The ability to work outside in various weather conditions
* The ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time
Preferred qualifications:
* Local (NYC) bird identification experience highly preferred
* Previous experience processing and collecting avian blood samples
highly preferred
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* Valid driver's license and willingness to drive to field sites within
NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)
This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May
to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances
and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not
exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island
may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.
This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable
of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain,
heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)
Compensation: $22.50/hour
To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with
your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our
lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.
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Small Mammal Summer Research Assitant
Seeking Small Mammal Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid
positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with
field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field
season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the
eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and
Long Island, and inform public health programs.
Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience
working in the field conducting sampling of mice and other small mammals
(including trapping, processing, and tissue & blood collection), general
field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.
What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct small mammal and medium mammal trapping and sampling (previous
field and mammal handling experience is required)
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of
3-4 people
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)
What you will bring:
* Previous field experience and mammal handling experience is required
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver's license and willingness to drive to field sites within
NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)
* Veterinary (technician) or similar experience is highly desirable
This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May
to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances
and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not
exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island
may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.
This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable
of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain,
heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)
Compensation: $22.50/hour.
To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with
your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our
lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.
Adara Anisman, MS
(she/her/hers)
Lab Manager and Research Coordinator
Eco-Epidemiology Lab
Dept. of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology
Schermerhorn Extension - Columbia University
1200 Amsterdam Ave. New York, NY 10027
aa5294@columbia.edu
Adara A
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