3 PhD and M.S. Research Assistantships in Aquatic Ecology and Harmful Algal Blooms at Auburn University, USA [$35K PhD and $30K MS stipends plus full tuition]

Auburn University is offering three graduate research assistantships for Ph.D. or M.S. students in aquatic ecology and harmful algal blooms. The positions are available in Dr. Alan Wilson’s lab at the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences in Auburn, Alabama, USA. These graduate research opportunities are well suited to students interested in freshwater ecology, limnology, aquatic ecosystems, harmful algal blooms, ecotoxicology, environmental science, and freshwater plankton communities. Ph.D. applicants are preferred, although qualified M.S. applicants will also be considered.

The research program combines fundamental and applied aquatic science and is supported by projects funded through USDA ARS and USDA NIFA. Students can work on field experiments, ecological monitoring, laboratory analyses, modeling, and meta-analysis while developing independent research projects.

About Auburn University

Auburn University is an R1 land-grant university with academic programs organized across twelve colleges and schools. The university offers a broad research environment for graduate students, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and engage in research addressing important environmental and agricultural challenges.

About Auburn, Alabama

Auburn is a growing college community in Alabama with access to larger metropolitan areas, outdoor recreation, and a range of cultural and professional opportunities. The city is located along the I-85 corridor connecting Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama. Auburn and nearby Opelika form a growing metropolitan area with a population of more than 60,000. The area is also known for its moderate climate, outdoor opportunities, public services, and proximity to major cities, beaches, and mountain destinations.

Research Areas

The Wilson Lab investigates the ecological, evolutionary, ecotoxicological, and limnological mechanisms that influence the structure and function of freshwater plankton communities. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a major focus of the lab’s current research.

A major advantage of these assistantships is access to extensive aquatic research infrastructure. The university’s field station includes hundreds of aquaculture ponds, while nearby recreational and drinking-water reservoirs provide additional opportunities for field research and monitoring.

Graduate students may participate in established research projects involving large-scale field experiments, environmental monitoring, laboratory-based analytical work, modeling, and meta-analysis. Students are also strongly encouraged to develop their own research questions and pursue external funding through programs such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

The research environment also provides opportunities to collaborate directly with stakeholders, including aquaculture farmers, water utilities, and natural resource managers. This combination of academic research and stakeholder engagement can provide valuable experience for students interested in both research careers and applied environmental science.

Graduate Research Opportunities

The three available assistantships can support either Ph.D. or M.S. study, with Ph.D. candidates preferred. Students joining the lab will be encouraged to become active members of the research community and to present their work at scientific conferences. The lab also supports students in developing outreach activities designed to broaden the impact of their research. The research environment emphasizes productivity, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. Students from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to consider applying.

Qualifications

Applicants should be highly motivated and interested in studying freshwater communities. Ideal candidates are described as data-driven, hardworking, honest, self-motivated, and team-oriented.

Previous coursework in ecology, limnology, and statistics is desirable, as is an interest in mentoring undergraduate students and participating in scientific outreach. Previous research experience is also valued but is not required.

Relevant analytical experience can include techniques such as:

• Molecular analysis
• GC-MS
• GC-FID
• HPLC
• ELISA

However, these skills are listed as desirable rather than mandatory.

Minimum Academic Requirements

For the M.S. assistantship, applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Ecology, or a related field.

For the Ph.D. assistantship, applicants should hold an M.S. degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field.

A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.

Funding and Financial Support

The graduate research assistantships provide competitive financial support, including a 12-month stipend and full tuition waivers.

Starting annual stipends are approximately:

Degree	Starting Annual Stipend	Tuition
Ph.D.	$35,000 per year	Full tuition waiver
M.S.	$30,000 per year	Full tuition waiver

Highly qualified Ph.D. applicants may also be considered for an Auburn University Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship or Presidential Graduate Opportunity Fellowship. These fellowships can provide support for up to three years and include an annual stipend of at least $50,000. In addition to financial support, students in the Wilson Lab are encouraged and supported to conduct high-quality research and present their findings at scientific conferences.

Start Date

The start date for these graduate research assistantships is flexible. Because the positions are available for multiple degree pathways and research projects, prospective students should discuss their research interests and potential start date with the lab when applying. 

These positions offer an opportunity to pursue graduate research at the intersection of freshwater ecology, harmful algal blooms, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, and applied aquatic science. The combination of field facilities, laboratory resources, funded research projects, and access to stakeholder networks can provide graduate students with broad experience across different stages of ecological research. Students can gain experience with field sampling, analytical methods, quantitative analysis, modeling, scientific communication, and research dissemination.

How to Apply

Interested students should submit their application materials through the lab’s application form: Application: https://forms.gle/WocXAMDtfSs5vWHm9

Applicants should demonstrate their interest in aquatic ecology, freshwater communities, harmful algal blooms, or a closely related research area. Highlighting relevant coursework, research experience, quantitative skills, laboratory techniques, outreach experience, and mentoring interests can help demonstrate alignment with the lab.

Prospective applicants can also learn more about the research group through the Wilson Lab website: https://www.wilsonlab.com/

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	Graduate Research Assistantships in Aquatic Ecology and Harmful Algal Blooms
Number of Positions	3
Degree Level	Ph.D. preferred; M.S. also considered
University	Auburn University
School	School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences
Lab	Alan Wilson Lab
Location	Auburn, Alabama, USA
Research Areas	Aquatic Ecology, Freshwater Ecology, Harmful Algal Blooms, Limnology
Ph.D. Stipend	$35,000 per year starting stipend
M.S. Stipend	$30,000 per year starting stipend
Tuition	Full tuition waiver
Ph.D. Fellowship Opportunity	Up to 3 years; at least $50,000 annual stipend
Minimum GPA	3.2
M.S. Qualification	B.S./B.A. in Biology, Ecology, or related field
Ph.D. Qualification	M.S. in Biology, Ecology, or related field
Experience	Relevant research experience desirable but not required
Start Date	Flexible
Application	Online application form
Research Setting	Aquaculture ponds, recreational and drinking-water reservoirs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many graduate assistantships are available?

Three graduate research assistantships are available in the Wilson Lab at Auburn University.

Are these positions for Ph.D. or M.S. students?

Both degree levels are considered. Ph.D. applicants are preferred, while qualified M.S. applicants may also apply.

What is the Ph.D. stipend?

The starting Ph.D. research assistantship stipend is $35,000 per year, with a 12-month appointment and full tuition waiver.

What is the M.S. stipend?

The starting M.S. stipend is $30,000 per year, with a 12-month appointment and full tuition waiver.

Are tuition fees covered?

Yes. The assistantships include full tuition waivers.

Is there additional funding for Ph.D. students?

Highly qualified Ph.D. applicants may be considered for Auburn University Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship or Presidential Graduate Opportunity Fellowship support. These awards can last up to three years and provide an annual stipend of at least $50,000.

What research topics are available?

Research focuses on aquatic ecology and freshwater plankton communities, with harmful algal blooms being a major research focus. Projects may involve field experiments, monitoring, laboratory analyses, modeling, and meta-analysis.

Is prior research experience required?

Relevant research experience is desirable but not required. Experience with techniques such as molecular analysis, GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, or ELISA is also desirable.

What GPA is required?

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Where are the positions located?

The assistantships are based at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, USA. http://graduate.auburn.edu/au-presidential-
graduate-research-fellowships/) (http://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/presidential-graduate-opportunity-program/)

When can students start?

The start date is flexible.