We are a collaborative lab where everyone is welcomed to bring their full selves. We are part of a rich intellectual community that extends beyond our lab to our department and scientific field, where the norms of interaction are to lift up and support others. We celebrate diversity in all dimensions (scientific fields, study organisms, identity, and personal characteristics), because diverse teams are more creative and resilient.
Check out our opportunities below
I am always interested in hearing from near-graduates or postdocs who are working in the area of evolutionary environmental physiology, who are interested in studying the intricate interrelationships between metabolism and life history. I will work with interested candidates to develop funding proposals. Send me an email at cmw@berkeley.edu.
The main research areas in the lab are evolutionary impacts of seasonality, stress (particularly cold) responses, and life history evolution in variable environments. Students typically combine field experiments and natural history, lab-based physiology and biochemistry, and ecological modeling to address the overarching question of how organisms respond to variable and changing environments. We are not currently recruiting new graduate students.
Our graduate program values independence, so the student will develop their own project in collaboration with Dr. Williams. The Department of Integrative Biology values diversity in organisms, approaches, and scientists, and we particularly encourage and support applications from people historically excluded from STEM. We invest in the personal and professional development of all lab members, and we have a lot of fun together while doing so.
Applications are usually due in early December (more information here), but interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Caroline prior to applying on cmw@berkeley.edu, with:
a CV
a brief description of your research interests (expression of interest)
Competitive applicants will have a strong background in ecology, physiology, or evolutionary biology, experience carrying out and communicating independent research, and be an excellent team player ready to contribute to a collaborative lab environment.
Positions will be listed on the URAP portal in Fall 2025 - check them out for a chance to join the lab.
We offer positions to undergraduate researchers periodically through the URAP or workstudy programs, or you may contact Professor Williams or a graduate student or postdoc directly to enquire if positions are available.
Undergraduate researchers are a huge part of our lab. You can expect to be challenged, supported, and provided with the resources you need to be successful. We provide full training in the skills you will need, and you will need to bring the passion, creativity, and dedication. Many of our undergraduates have gone on to successful careers in academia, medicine, and industry. We attempt to financially compensate our undergraduate researchers when possible, so please feel free to state if you are looking for a paid position. Exceptional undergraduates may have the opportunity to contribute to publications, attend conferences, and build lasting connections with the lab community. See my CV for a list of co-authored publications and presentations: undergraduates are indicated with a “U”).
If you are interested in a position, please email me ( cmw@berkeley.edu ) with short (max one paragraph) full sentence answers to the following questions:
Subject: Seeking research position in Williams lab – [Your name]
What are your scientific interests?
Why are you interested in working in our research lab?
What skills do you have that may be useful in a research setting?
Can you commit at least 5h/week, and what is your availability?
