2026 Cedar Creek LTER Summer Internships and Technician Positions
Are you passionate about ecology and interested in working at one of the top ecological research stations in the world? Would firsthand experience in some of the world’s longest-running and best-known field experiments benefit you in your future career path? If so, Cedar Creek is the place for you!
The University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a world-renowned destination for long-term research and researchers. Science conducted onsite has shaped the way we think about ecosystems, biodiversity, land management, animal movement, global change, and many other topics. Our Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) work plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of how we are affecting the environment and how we might protect it. A summer at Cedar Creek positions college students and recent graduates for an impactful career in ecology. Former interns have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and academic positions across the country, as well as jobs at private and public environmental agencies (including the Nature Conservancy, the United States Geological Survey, and the state Departments of Natural Resources). The experiences gained as an intern serve their recipients regardless of where their path takes them.
Recruitment is now open for spring and summer 2026 LTER internship and technician positions! Please find details and application instructions on the LTER website.
2026 Isbell Biodiversity Lab Internships
The Isbell Biodiversity Lab at the University of Minnesota is hiring a team of 6-8 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research interns to assist with ecological field work at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve located in East Bethel, MN. The intern team will work together to conduct research in multiple ongoing projects at Cedar Creek. The Isbell lab has several ecological research projects that consider the effects of global environmental changes (e.g. habitat loss and fragmentation, nutrient enrichment, climate change, exotic species invasions) on grassland plant communities, biodiversity and ecosystems. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in a research program at Cedar Creek, involving a group research project, professional development workshops, career panels, and research seminars, offering excellent opportunities to grow as a scientist.
Applications submitted by February 20, 2026, will be given priority consideration, but positions will remain open til filled. We will begin looking at early applicants February 13, 2026. For a full job description and details on how to apply, please see this job ad. Contact Sydney Hedberg ([email protected]) with questions.
Cedar Creek Code of Conduct
All people at Cedar Creek, including all researchers, students, employees, and visitors, are expected to treat each other in a respectful and professional manner. Read the Cedar Creek Code of Conduct.