Fully Funded PhD Assistantship to Study the Ecology and Management of Early Successional Plant Communities for Wildlife at Auburn University

Introduction: Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment is offering a fully funded Ph.D. research assistantship to study the ecology and management of early successional plant communities for wildlife. These vital plant communities, such as grasslands, savannas, barrens, and shrublands, have experienced a significant decline in eastern North America, impacting a diverse array of wildlife species. The research aims to explore alternative methods to approximate the beneficial effects of prescribed fire on ecosystems, providing valuable insights for public and private land managers, utility companies, and timber companies to support wildlife conservation.

Research Goals: The research project will involve a well-replicated, manipulative experiment to assess plant community responses to various treatments, including prescribed fire, soil disturbance, and selective herbicides. The study will be conducted at an operational scale, allowing documentation of wildlife use and selection for different treatments. The results are expected to have a significant impact and will likely be adopted by various stakeholders to benefit wildlife.

Opportunity for Tailored Research: The successful applicant will have some flexibility to tailor the project to their interests, with a focus on assessing habitat suitability for select game (e.g., wild turkey, white-tailed deer, northern bobwhite) and non-game (e.g., Bachman’s sparrow, prairie warbler, pollinators) species. The student will collaborate with private landowners, biologists, and academics, including Dr. Craig Harper from the University of Tennessee, who will assist in finalizing the experimental design and sampling scheme.

Assistantship Details:

• Stipend: $25,000 per year, paid via a research assistantship.
• Tuition: Tuition will be waived.
• Field Work: Limited to the Southeast, with housing provided.
• Additional Support: Funding available to support research technicians and conference travel for presenting research findings.

Qualifications:

• M.S. in wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields.
• GRE scores not required but may be provided if available.
• Strong interest in plant ecology, plant/animal interactions, and habitat management.
• Preferred plant identification skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit the following as a single PDF to Dr. Will Gulsby (wdg0010@auburn.edu):

• 1.5-page maximum cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Unofficial academic transcripts.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline: The last date to apply is July 28, 2023, unless an applicant is selected prior to that date. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be scheduled for interviews.

About Auburn University: Auburn University is an R1 university and the state’s land-grant institution, with over 30,000 students and 1,330 faculty members. The College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment is home to approximately 50 faculty and 150 graduate students, providing state-of-the-art technologies and facilities for research and academic pursuits. The university’s central location within the Southeastern U.S. offers easy access to diverse landscapes, making it an excellent location for ecological research and wildlife studies.

Embark on a rewarding Ph.D. journey and contribute to the preservation of early successional plant communities and wildlife conservation at Auburn University. Apply now to seize this excellent opportunity for academic and professional growth in the field of wildlife ecology and habitat management.