We are a lab of creative, highly motivated ecologists addressing fundamental and applied questions in bee biology and pollination. We maintain an active supportive and diverse environment to promote original science, professional and personal development
Current position open Field Assistant
Join an active bee and pollination research lab interacting with multiple postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates. Williams Lab UC Davis
Application link is below
Proposed Start Date May 20, 2026
Duration August 31, 2026 (flexible to mid September)
Job Summary
The position will assist with field and laboratory research associated with a UC Davis research project examining bumble bee community composition, floral resources, and habitat use, primarily at two national parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Join an active bee and pollination research lab interacting with multiple postdoc, graduate students and undergraduates. Williams Lab UC Davis
The position requires following established survey protocols to collect data on bumble bees and floral resources. Field tasks include conducting walking transect surveys to record foraging bumble bees, identifying bees to species, recording floral associations, and collecting photographic vouchers to support species identification. Additional protocols involve identifying flowering plant species, estimating floral abundance along transects, and recording habitat characteristics and environmental conditions.
Key Responsibilities
80% – Field Work
- Conduct bumble bee surveys along transects in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, including identifying bumble bees to species and recording behavioral observations.
- Conduct floral surveys, including identifying flowering plant species and recording floral abundance.
- Collect photographic vouchers of bees to support species identification.
- Assist with driving to and between field sites, including operating project vehicles on paved and unpaved roads.
15% – Data Entry / Quality Control
- Enter field data into project databases or spreadsheets.
- Review and verify data for completeness and accuracy.
- Assist with organizing photo voucher records and associated metadata.
5% – Laboratory / Organizational Tasks
Assist with basic laboratory or organizational tasks related to field collections and data
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle in accordance with UC Davis policies.
- Ability to work long days outdoors in remote field locations and variable environmental conditions.
- Ability to hike several miles per day over uneven terrain.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow data collection protocols.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small field team.
- Field experience conducting ecological or environmental surveys.
- Willingness to stay in field station housing multiple days per week.
- Coursework in Ecology, Entomology or related areas
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience identifying plants or insects in the field.
- Familiarity with observing and collecting pollinators, particularly bees.
- Experience with data entry and data quality control in spreadsheets.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding outdoor conditions.
Transportation to field sites will be provided during scheduled field trips, but the assistant must be able to travel to the Davis area or designated departure location as needed.
Application INFORMATION
Lab Assistant – Williams Lab (LAB AST 2)
Job ID: 85395
Apply By Date: April 24, 2026 at 11:59pm PST (Will extend as needed)
Salary or Pay Range: $25.81/hr. – $30.49/hr.
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Limited, 100%
Location: Davis, CA.
Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is 100% on-site.
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PostDocs
Postdoctoral Position: Please inquire directly. There are no open funded positions currently, but I am always interested in discussing fellowships and other grant options.
Williams Lab: University of California Davis
Graduate Students
Information for prospective graduate students:
Neal is not considering new graduate students for 2026.
The Williams lab accepts primarily students interested in pursuing PhDs. Most students enter the lab as members of the Graduate Group in Ecology (GGE) or Entomology Graduate Group (ENT) and occasionally through the Animal Behavior Graduate Group (ABGG). Co-advising through the Population Biology Graduate Group (PBG) is also possible with a co-mentor who is an active member of that group.
If you are interested in joining the lab, please email me directly. Include a brief statement of your interests for graduate work, where you are now and a little about your path along the way. If you have a CV please also include it. I encourage prospective students to contact me early to allow time to discuss interests and potential visits. Deadlines for applications vary among years and graduate programs, but they are generally December to early January of the preceding academic year. I encourage you to reach out to current graduate students to get insight to lab culture, their experiences in the lab and perspectives on the different graduate programs.
Undergraduate research
Information for prospective undergraduate students:
Our group values the participation of undergraduates who are excited to contribute to research and scholarship in a variety of forms. We have 1-3 students in the group in most years.
Contact Neal Williams directly via email.
A useful Undergrad example (from UC Santa Cruz) on how to “cold email” a professor about research.