The Whelan Lab at Auburn University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Conservation Genetics Lab (SECGL) are seeking graduate student applications for the MSc or PhD degree. At least one MSc and one PhD position will be available to start in August 2025. Potential masters and PhD projects include conservation genetics and molecular ecology of freshwater mollusks, phylogenetics and systematics of freshwater gastropods, and environmental DNA (eDNA) related research like assay design and applied distributional studies. Students interested in eDNA research are particularly encouraged to apply. Students will work in museum, lab, and field environments. SECGL is a joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Auburn University research lab. We are located in Swingle Hall on Auburn University=92s main campus. Our research includes both basic and applied science, and students work in an academic research environment while collaborating with government researchers and on-the-ground conservation scientists. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with conservation practitioners and perform cutting-edge research. Current research projects in the lab include (1) phylogenomics of freshwater gastropods, with an emphasis on Pleuroceridae, (2) conservation genomics and molecular ecology of freshwater mollusks, including threatened and endangered mussels and snails, (3) taxonomy of terrestrial snails, freshwater mussels, and freshwater snails, (4) freshwater gastropod life history evolution, (5) conservation genomics of threatened and endangered freshwater fishes, and (5) black bass genetics management. The lab=92s research has recently expanded to include eDNA work. We also work with the National Fish Hatchery program and use genetic data to evaluate and improve hatchery efforts. SECGL has outstanding facilities, equipment, and capacity for lab- and field-based research. Current eDNA lab space includes modular clean rooms and separate rooms for different steps of eDNA data generation. We are in the process of constructing new lab and office space that will include purpose-built eDNA and traditional conservation genetics lab space. We have all the equipment needed for next-generation library prep and other molecular data generation, including an Agilent Fragment Analyzer, Blue Pippen, Quibit, and Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot. We also have multiple computers for bioinformatics (e.g., an 80-core, 512GB RAM machine) and access to additional computing resources through Auburn University and the Alabama Supercomputer Authority. The lab has a 4WD SUV and other equipment for fieldwork. Auburn University is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant institution with internationally recognized research and academics. Auburn and nearby Opelika, Alabama are vibrant towns with excellent quality of life and a relatively low cost of living. GRA Stipends and Start Dates: Students will receive a stipend of at least $2,500/month ($30,000/year) and a tuition waiver. Available start dates are August 2025. More information about the lab: www.nathanwhelan.com; https://www.fws.gov/office/warm-springs-fish-technology-center To apply: Send a letter of interest, current CV, contact information for 2-3 references, and unofficial transcripts to: Dr. Nathan Whelan, nathan_whelan@fws.gov. Members of historically underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. "Whelan, Nathan V" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)