Chicago B3 Lab
Join the Lab¶
We are actively recruiting motivated researchers at all career stages. The B3 Lab values curiosity, rigor, collaboration, and a commitment to doing science that matters — for pollinators, for communities, and for the planet.
What We Look For¶
No single background is required. We welcome applicants from:
Neuroscience — electrophysiology, imaging, computational neuroscience
Ecology & Entomology — pollinator biology, community ecology, field methods
Computer Science / Engineering — computer vision, embedded systems, data science
Environmental Science — toxicology, urban ecology, environmental justice
What matters most is intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn new skills across disciplinary boundaries, and a commitment to open and reproducible science.
Graduate Students (PhD)¶
PhD Student Positions
We have openings for PhD students interested in one or more of the following areas:
- Electrophysiology and imaging of olfactory circuits in bumblebees
- Serotonin neuromodulation and cognitive performance under stress
- PFAS and pesticide effects on neural coding and behavior
- Automated field sensing and AI-based pollinator monitoring
- Urban ecology, contamination, and environmental justice
Students apply through the IIT Biology PhD program. Please email Matthew before applying with (1) a brief statement of your research interests, (2) your CV, and (3) any relevant prior research experience.
Postdoctoral Researchers¶
Postdoctoral Positions
We are interested in hearing from postdoctoral candidates with strong backgrounds in any of the following areas:
- In vivo neural imaging or electrophysiology (any organism)
- Computational neuroscience or neural circuit modeling
- Insect behavioral ecology or pollinator biology
- Environmental toxicology or chemical ecology
- Machine learning applied to ecological or biological data
Prospective postdocs are encouraged to explore fellowship opportunities through NSF, HFSP, and relevant NIH mechanisms. I am happy to collaborate on fellowship applications — please reach out with your CV and a brief research statement.
Undergraduate Researchers¶
IIT Undergraduate Research
IIT undergraduates are a vital part of the B3 Lab. You don't need prior experience — just enthusiasm and reliability. Undergrads in the lab have contributed to:
- Bee colony maintenance and behavioral assays
- AutoPollS deployment and data processing
- 3D printing and fabrication of behavioral rigs
- Histology and confocal microscopy
- Community outreach and the Citizen Neuroscience Program
Email Matthew with a brief note about your interests and any prior lab or technical experience. Course credit and paid positions are available.
Contact¶
IIT Diversity & Inclusion
The B3 Lab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We especially encourage applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in science, including first-generation college students, students from under-resourced backgrounds, and members of racial and ethnic minority groups.