The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is seeking a high-quality PhD graduate candidate to conduct her/his dissertation research on evolutionary ecology aspects of large mammals. The selected candidate would have the opportunity to participate in a long-term research project examining reproductive ecology in white-tailed deer and utilize 15+ years of data that include morphometrics, parentage, parasites, immune parameters, hormones and others. In 2007, Auburn University established a 430-acre deer research facility to examine reproductive ecology of white-tailed deer as a means of better understanding reproductive patterns in polygynous species. Previous students have examined patterns of mate selection, factors that influence reproductive success, parasitism, hormonal influences on reproduction, among others. The selected candidate would operate as part of a team comprised of other graduate students, research fellows, and faculty to build upon the data previously collected, and identify a subset of the data to serve as the foundation for the dissertation. The student who is hired for this position will have access to all of the data collected during his/her period of research, as well as the previous fifteen years of data. The selected candidate will begin in August 2022, but could start as early as May 2022 if desired. Auburn University is an R1 institution with 25,000 students and is located in Auburn, Alabama. The city of Auburn makes up approximately two thirds of a small urban area that includes approximately 100,000 permanent residents. Because of the university and the racial, ethnic, and political diversity/acceptance normally found within institutions of higher learning, the city of Auburn has a small-town atmosphere with a cosmopolitan feel. In addition to the typical amenities found in communities of its size, Auburn also offers unique attractions such as farmers markets, Auburn City Fest, and the newly constructed Gouge Performing Arts Center. The nearby Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and Tuskegee National Forest offer additional recreational opportunities year-round. Auburn University is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Atlanta Airport. The Ditchkoff Lab is committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that the inherent diversity among individuals is the foundation of society, and a diversity in viewpoints and skills strengthens our ability to address issues related to management and conservation of wildlife. We are committed to fostering an environment where not only is diversity of backgrounds, opinions, and beliefs accepted, but this diversity strengthens us individually and as a group.
Qualifications
The Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship program is designed to attract the best and brightest students, and as such, it is expected that the application process will be competitive. There are a limited number of Presidential Fellowships available, and the program is open to all faculty at Auburn University. The Fellowship selection committee will review applications and make their final decisions on recipients in late January 2022, so applicants should submit their applications no later than early January 2022 to allow time for review of applications and contacting of references. For this reason, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Interested applicants should send a single PDF document that includes a cover letter outlining their qualifications to be a PhD candidate, a resume/CV, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores (if available), and contact information for at least 3 references to Dr. Steve Ditchkoff, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. Phone – (334) 844-9240: E-mail – [email protected].
Contact Person Dr. Steve Ditchkoff
Contact Phone 334-844-9240
Contact eMail [email protected]