Graduate Students

I will likely be recruiting students to join the lab in the 2026-2027 academic year. I accept my students through the Graduate Group in Ecology (https://ecology.ucdavis.edu/). Applications are due December 1 2025.

If you are interested, feel free to reach out by sending me an email (dkarp@ucdavis.edu) with an up-to-date CV and a short cover letter letting me know a little bit about your research background and what you broadly hope to work on in graduate school. Also, feel free to visit this webpage to learn more about our lab’s values and expectations of graduate students.

Postdocs

Fellowships

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in doing a postdoc in the Karp Lab. I am happy to support applications to a variety of fellowships, including the Smith Fellowship, the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, the USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Program, the UC President’s Fellowship Program, and others! I will also post any funded opportunities here as they become available.

Field technicians

Avian Agro-ecology Technician- Biocontrol in Salinas Valley

We are seeking a seasonal field technician to join a collaborative project between UC Davis and the USDA Agricultural Research Service assessing the impacts of non-crop vegetation plantings on biodiversity, pest control, and crop production in the California Central Coast. The primary role of the field technician will be to conduct bird counts as well as occasionally aid in arthropod surveys on organic lettuce farms across California’s Salinas Valley. This position will provide (rent-free) housing throughout the duration of the field experience in Marina, CA, and is full-time (40 hours per week). The successful applicant would work with postdoctoral researcher Anna DiPaola as well as one other technician, traveling to experimental lettuce fields throughout the Salinas Valley daily (Mon-Fri). The technician’s role will be to assess bird community composition and fecal contamination associated with non-crop vegetation and neighboring organic lettuce fields. Specifically, the technician will be responsible for conducting bird surveys, quantifying avian fecal contamination along transects, and entering data. The technician will also aid in arthropod surveys, time permitting.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Prior experience conducting ecological field work.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify western birds by sight and sound
  • Ability to tolerate field work, including occasional inclement weather and irregular schedules.
  • Comfortable working with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team.
  • Able to follow standardized protocols and carefully record and enter data.
  • Self-directed, with professional and clear communication skills to coordinate with supervisor.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience conducting bird surveys in field settings.
  • Prior experience working on farms and/or on privately-owned land.
  • Some prior data management experience (data entry and cleaning/review processes).
  • Since we will be traveling to farms using university vehicles, a driver’s license and clean driving record would be useful

Duration: The preferred start date is May 17th 2026 with an approximate end date of August 31st 2026 (earlier start dates may be possible, if desired).

Wage: This position pays approximately $20-$23 per hour. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), limited-term appointment through the University of California, Davis. Shared housing will be provided in Marina, CA and the applicant is expected to relocate to the study site for the duration of the experience.

To apply: Please email Anna DiPaola <addip@ucdavis.edu> with one pdf including:

  • A two-three paragraph cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, anything you hope to gain or learn, and how your skills and experience will help you contribute to a field team.
  • A resume that includes any previous work/volunteer experience.
  • Contact information for at least two references.

The subject header of your email should read: Karp Lab Avian Technician Application.

Closing date: We will begin to review applications starting on January 23rd, 2026, and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. We will respond to applicants acknowledging receipt of applicants; however, only successful applicants will be contacted for a subsequent interview.