The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment research faculty actively recruit graduate candidates to assist with their diverse research programs. Available positions are included in the below directory, which is updated frequently but may not include all opportunities.
For other opportunities not posted, please consult with a faculty member most aligned with your research interests or inquire with Audrey Grindle, Graduate Student Coordinator, for further guidance at 334-844-9250 or apg0008@auburn.edu. Future students may also wish to consult the Texas A&M Jobs Board for positions that may not yet be included within the college’s directory.
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educational Institution.
MS Research Assistantship - Conservation & Development Localization
The Collaborative Conservation & Adaptation Planning Lab at Auburn University is seeking a motivated master’s student to contribute to a research project examining the challenges related to localization efforts within the international conservation and development context.
The student will be responsible for:
1. Conducting literature reviews.
2. Conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic fieldwork) on sustainable international development programs and localization efforts.
3. Work with local NGOs and communities to coordinate data collection using both remote and in-person interview strategies.
4. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data related to sustainable livelihoods, environmental security, economic alternatives, and localization in Mexico/Latin America.
5. Share findings through academic publications and conference presentations.
Required Qualifications
· Completed an undergraduate degree in Conservation Social Science, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Environmental Sociology, Parks, Recreation, Tourism Management, or a related field prior to starting.
· Experience with or interest in qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation).
· Strong analytical and writing skills.
· Interest in sustainable development, environmental justice, and localization.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international research settings.
· Potential candidates for this position must meet admission standards and be accepted into the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment MS program More information can be found here.
· Candidates must also meet general (minimum) admission requirements for the Auburn University Graduate School, as outlined here.
Desired Qualifications
· Experience working in Mexico, Latin America, or on development projects in rural natural resource-dependent communities.
· Knowledge of Spanish (fluency highly preferred).
· Background in NGO work, environmental security, or rural economies research.
Interested individuals should contact Dr. Matthew Jurjonas at mdj0048@auburn.edu with any questions and to apply. To apply, please state “Conservation & Development Localization MS Assistantship” in the email subject line and include a single PDF document with the following:
1. A Statement of Interest/Personal Statement detailing research interests and relevant experience
2. A CV/Resume
3. TOFEL or IELTS scores (if applicable) and GRE scores (if available)
4. Unofficial transcripts
5. A Writing Sample (e.g., thesis chapter, research paper, or report)
6. The names and email addresses of three professional references
Application Deadline: Review of Applications will begin on March 7th, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
Ph. D. Position- White-tailed Deer Integrated Population Modeling
We are seeking a PhD student to join our team of researchers at Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. We are partnering with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to develop a modeling, monitoring, and decision-analysis framework for improving deer population management throughout the state of Alabama.
The student will be responsible for:
1. Developing and evaluating integrated population modeling approaches to improve deer population estimates by incorporating supplemental data sources (e.g., citizen science data or roadkill reports) with traditional data sources (e.g., game check data and hunter surveys);
2. Comparing agent-based and matrix-based models for assessing population changes;
3. Designing decision scenarios and assessing the the tradeoffs of alternative modeling approaches for making informed decisions under these scenarios;
4. Developing a decision support tool for ADCNR to inform deer management at local and state-wide scales.
In a nutshell, we are looking to develop creative, ecologically sound, and scientifically defensible approaches for quantifying deer distributions, population dynamics, and management objectives. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Jonathon Valente (https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/staff/480646) and Dr. Aniruddha Belsare (https://cfwe.auburn.edu/profile/aniruddha-belsare/). The position is fully funded for up to 5 years, including a ~$30,000 annual stipend, tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance. The student will be free to develop their own dissertation within the scope of the project, and under the agreement that they will meet the primary objectives outlined above and in the project proposal. Ideally, the student will begin in the fall semester (August 2024) but start dates may be flexible for the appropriate candidate. Prospective candidates should be highly motivated, interested in developing computer-based modeling skills, and have a strong background in ecology, biology, zoology, wildlife, population modeling, or a related field.
Required qualifications
· MS degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Statistics, or another closely related field
· Strong communication skills in oral and written English
· Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
· Self-motivation, a positive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills
Desired qualifications
· Experience presenting and publishing peer-reviewed research
· Experience working with government agencies
· Experience with population modeling, species distribution modeling, Bayesian data analysis, GIS software, and the R statistical programming language
To apply, email BOTH Dr. Jonathon Valente (jjv0016@auburn.edu) and Dr. Aniruddha Belsare (avb0033@auburn.edu) with the subject line “Deer Population PhD.” Combine the following into a single PDF and attach it to your email: (1) a cover letter that states why you are interested in and qualified for the position; (2) a CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) contact information for 3 references; and (5) TOFEL scores if applicable. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and continue until suitable candidates are found. Please feel free to email Dr. Valente or Dr. Belsare with any specific questions in the meantime. More information about our graduate program can be found here: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees/
M.S./Ph. D. Alabama (Forestry Biotechnology Lab)
Details
Application Deadline: 05/26/2024
Published: 09/09/2023
Starting Date: 8/20/2024
Salary: unspecified
Education Required: Bachelors
Location: Auburn, Alabama 
Tags: Graduate Opportunities
Description
The Hao Chen lab at Auburn University is inviting motivated Master and PhD applicants to join the new forestry biotechnology lab. Full scholarships will be provided to PhD students.
You will have the opportunity to engage with three major research projects: 1. Understanding the myths of the controlling mechanisms how plant transcriptionally synthesize secondary cell wall and use genetic engineering methods to improve wood property used for pulp, paper, and biofuel industries. 2. Field trials of genetically engineered trees to measure eco-physiological and economical traits of these trees. 3. Development of new transformation methods for woody species. When you graduate, you will get real-world experiences in forestry molecular biology, genetics, and physiology.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Chen (hzc0134@auburn.edu) for detailed information.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Admission Requirements: (https://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/general-admission-requirements/)
Transcripts: One unofficial transcript. Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance to a
Graduate program. GPA: minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Recommendations: 3 recommendations to be submitted through the online application.
Curriculum Vitae.
Test Scores: English Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL 79 (iBT) or IELTS 6.5. The GRE score is not required.
Personal Statement: Please include the following in your personal statement (maximum 1000
words): Prior research experience(s)-describe research conducted and your role on the project.
Research interests; Career goals
During the review process, a personal interview may be required. All applications for admission to the Ph.D. program will be reviewed by Dr. Hao Chen and his collaborators (M.S. do not need). Admission decisions are made based on an overall evaluation of the applicant’s ability to complete advanced study in forestry genetics, genomics and biotechnology.
SALARY: negotiable
LOCATION: Auburn, Alabama
Contact
HaO Chen
hzc0134@auburn.edu (preferred contact method)
Other Research Positions
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Learn more and apply online.
