Positions & News

The Shizuka Lab (www.shizukalab.com) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) School of Biological Sciences (SBS) is recruiting a PhD student to join an NSF-funded project to study acoustic communication networks in bird colonies starting Fall 2027. The project will involve conducting intensive spring/summer field work using microphone arrays as well as developing computational methods for analyzing acoustic communication networks utilizing AI/machine learning platforms for sound analysis.

 

The position will come with funding for 4 semesters of research assistantships, while other semesters will be funded through teaching assistantship (assistantships include tuition waiver and health insurance). The Shizuka Lab and SBS seek to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

- Meet minimum requirements for admission to UNL SBS PhD Program (https://graduate.unl.edu/academics/programs/BIOS-PHD/)

- Bachelor's degree completed prior to Fall 2027

- Interest in avian behavior, animal communication, and computational methods

- Ability to work independently in challenging field conditions

- Ability to work well with others and lead a team of undergraduate students in the field

 

Desired Qualifications:

- Experience with field ornithological techniques

- Experience with a programming language (e.g., R, Python)
- Willingness to learn advanced statistical approaches

- Experience with acoustic analysis

- Strong writing skills

 

If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected] including "Communication PhD Position" in the title and attach a single-pdf with (1) a 1-page cover letter or letter of interest and (2) CV by October 15th, 2026

 

Reviews will occur on a rolling basis. Competitive applicants will be contacted by email for a virtual interview. Finalists will be invited to submit a full application to the UNL SBS PhD program by December 1, 2026.