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.