Open Position: Graduate Student (Ph.D.) in the Smith Bee Lab at Auburn University
Research Areas: Honey bee biology, social physiology, nest architecture, collective behavior The Smith Bee Lab conducts research on the basic biology of honey bee colonies in a natural history context. We are interested in colony organization and development, nest architecture, and collective behavior. For examples of the type of work we do, please check out our publications on google scholar.
Members of the Smith Bee Lab are encouraged to develop their own research program within the broad framework of social physiology and colony form/function. Prior experience working with honey bees is not required – we are actively seeking researchers with complementary skills to join our group, as long as they have a strong interest in the underlying biological concepts. Projects looking to develop methods, analytical tools, or link across research fields are of particular interest.
Graduate students: Auburn supports a large community in our Department of Biological Sciences (DBS). The lab is only accepting students at the Ph.D. level. Experience working with honey bees is not required. Application materials include a CV, personal statement, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Auburn does not require the GRE.
Prospective students will be interviewed in January 2025, with formal applications due to DBS on February 1st. Please note that all students must have a faculty sponsor before submitting your official application, so if you are interested, please contact me via email as soon as possible.
To apply, please send me (mls0154@auburn.edu) a single PDF containing: cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. To avoid spam filters, please use this for the subject of your email: [Your name, application to Smith Bee Lab] (e.g. David Bowie, application to Smith Bee Lab).
Auburn University is an R1 research institution, located in a fantastic, affordable college town, with 4+ state parks and nature reserves within 30 minutes of downtown Auburn. Our nearest airport is Atlanta, a 1hr 15min drive, with shuttle service available. The Department of Biological Sciences is a friendly, vibrant, and collaborative setting for research. Members of the Smith Bee Lab are encouraged to develop collaborations within the department, across the University, and at national/international institutions.
Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Traditionally excluded groups
are strongly encouraged to apply.