Natural Resources Job Board

The Berigan lab (https://liamaberigan.github.io) at Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is hiring a PhD student to study avian community and breeding ecology in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (URI). The successful applicant will lead a project with two elements: 

1)    Local automated radiotelemetry. The student will use data from a local automated radiotelemetry network, run by the University of Rhode Island, to study a variety of bird species using early successional habitat. The student’s dissertation will include an assessment of methodologies for modeling bird movements using these platforms and will address basic ecological questions about the effect of game species management on non-game birds.

2)     Migratory tracking of grassland birds. The student will assist in deploying Motus transmitters on grassland birds in Alabama’s Black Belt Prairie ecoregion, with the aim of delineating migratory connectivity and examining declines in grassland bird populations.

Minimum qualifications:

Desired qualifications:

The successful applicant will be asked to apply to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment for admission in Spring 2027, and will be expected to arrive prior to the first day of classes (January 6th). Note that GRE scores are not required for admission but may create opportunities for additional funding support (e.g., Auburn Presidential Graduate Opportunity Program). If you have GRE scores, please submit them as a part of your application package.

International applicants: Please reference Auburn’s requirements for international admission to the Graduate School: https://graduate.auburn.edu/admissions/international-instructions.php. Most international students should plan to submit a language proficiency test score as a part of their application package; acceptable tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis (e.g., previously awarded a degree from a U.S. college, or coming from a country where English is the primary spoken language).

Compensation: Stipend of $28,000 per year, plus a tuition waiver. 

How to apply: Please email Dr. Liam Berigan (lib0016@auburn.edu) a single PDF document containing a 1) cover letter, 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended, 4) GRE scores (if available), and 5) contact information for 3 professional references. Please title your email “PhD application: [your name]” to ensure it is routed correctly. Application deadline is August 31st, but I encourage you to apply early as applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. More information about our graduate program can be found here: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees/.