The Toolik Field Station, in the foothills of the Brooks Range about 350 miles south of the Arctic Ocean, is the US’s most important Arctic scientific research station and the site of the National Science Foundation’s Arctic Long Term Ecological Research Site. The station accommodates nearly 100 scientists and students each summer. Station residents live dorm style in simple but comfortable rooms. Meals are served in a communal dining hall overlooking beautiful Toolik Lake. Scientists work in a variety of laboratory buildings on the Station’s grounds. Fellows will work in a specially-outfitted field laboratory with heat, electric power and fast internet access.
Fellows will experience Toolik bathed in 24 hours of sunlight. Daytime high temperatures range from the mid 40s to about 70° F, but Arctic weather is fickle and can change on a dime. Freezing temperatures and snow are possible at any time. Fellows should plan to spend at least half of each work day in the field, whatever the weather. Come prepared with a good raincoats, rain pants and warm waterproof boots. At Toolik, researchers are adorned with outer layers of Gore-Tex, inner layers of polar fleece, and a warm hat and gloves they carry into the field at all times. Fellows should plan to do the same.
