Positions & News
The McCune lab (kelseymccune.com) at Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is hiring a MS and/or PhD student to research conservation behavioral ecology in Florida Scrub-Jays (FSJ). The successful applicant will develop field-based methods for measuring behavioral and cognitive traits in this declining species to help inform conservation efforts. This work will occur at Archbold Biological Station in collaboration with Dr. Sahas Barve and the Avian Ecology Program (https://www.archbold-station.org/programs/avian-ecology/). The FSJ project at Archbold is one of the longest continuous studies of any wild bird. Over the last 57 years, this study has accumulated a rich dataset of complete life histories of thousands of individual jays and population dynamics at the landscape level along with oak mast, fire, and land-management history of the site. Hence, there is considerable opportunity for the student to develop research questions in line with their own interests within the fields of behavior, ecology, evolution or ecosystem services. A minimum of two seasons of fieldwork, each consisting of 3 - 6 months at Archbold, will be expected.
Basic Responsibilities:
- Conduct literature reviews
- Develop research questions, experimental design and methods
- Collaboratively collect, manage and analyze data
- Manage field equipment
- Collaborate with professionals from other institutions and interdisciplinary backgrounds
- Supervise undergraduates, field assistants and interns as necessary
- Write and publish findings in peer reviewed scientific journals
- Present findings at conferences and for public outreach
- Meet Auburn University graduate program requirements and deadlines
- Contribute to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere
Minimum qualifications:
- Candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a GPA > 3.0 prior to starting
- Demonstrated experience conducting field work in hot, rainy, buggy environments
- Experience conducting research related to avian behavior, cognition, or ecology
- 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 critical thinking skills
- Candidates applying for the PhD position should have completed a MS degree before beginning this role
Desired qualifications:
- Experience working with the programming language R
- Experience handling, banding or tagging birds
- Demonstrated ability to drive in rough terrain
- Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals or professional presentations
Compensation: Stipend of $23,000 - 28,000 per year depending on experience and degree (MS or PhD), plus benefits and a tuition waiver.
How to apply: Fill out the Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUmblELS7H_MT1KnNzgbVYq0zon1l8Qo9ve_5VAFBzLDSnrA/viewform?usp=header) with your general contact information and upload the following in the application portal as a single PDF document with the file name “LastName_FSJstudent”.
- Statement of interest - maximum of 2 pages (single-spaced, 12-point font) describing your relevant qualifications, your research interests
- CV
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
- Contact information for 3 professional references
Application deadline is June 30th, 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/.
Competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. The successful applicant will then be asked to apply to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment for admission in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, and will be expected to arrive prior to the first day of classes (August 17th or 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).
Email Dr. Kelsey McCune ([email protected]) with questions or issues.
