Graduate Student Position in Termite Behavior and Evolution
Mizumoto Lab, Auburn University

The Mizumoto Lab at Auburn University is recruiting one graduate student,
preferably at the PhD level with prior master's experience, to start
in Fall 2026 (August).

Research focus
Our lab studies the evolution of termite sociality and collective
behavior. We combine behavioral experiments, comparative analyses,
fieldwork, and computational and theoretical methods to understand how
social and socio-sexual behavior evolve across species.

Research areas
The student will work on projects related to termite behavior and
evolution. Ongoing projects include:

  *   Comparative analysis of termite collective building
  *   Evolution and mechanisms of tandem running
  *   Theoretical and computational modeling on social evolution
  *   Comparison of behaviors between termites and cockroaches

Students will begin a defined research project within the lab's core
research themes, developed in discussion with Dr. Mizumoto. As the project
progresses, students are expected to develop an independent sub-project
within the scope. Projects may involve fieldwork, behavioral observation
or experiments, computational analysis, or theoretical or modeling. The
lab does not focus on molecular or genetic approaches.

The Position
Graduate students are fully funded through research assistantships and
will conduct research under the guidance of Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto. Students
are expected to present their research at national and international
conferences, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and actively
participate in laboratory and departmental events. Applicants should
have a strong interest in animal behavior, evolution, ecology, or a
related field. Prior experience with insects, behavioral research,
quantitative analysis, programming, or modeling is helpful but not
required. Motivation, communication, and sustained engagement are
essential.

Application
Interested applicants should email Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto
(nzm0095@auburn.edu) with:

  1.  CV
  2.  A brief statement of research interests
  3.  Contact information of three references

Review of materials begins on Jan 31, 2026.
Auburn University is an R1 research university located in a vibrant
college town with easy access to natural areas. The Mizumoto Lab is
part of the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, which hosts a
friendly and collaborative community, including several labs working on
social insects (ants, bees, termites).

Contact: Nobuaki Mizumoto, Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Auburn University, Auburn, AL, US
E-mail: nzm0095@auburn.edu
Website: mizumoto-lab.com/

Nobuaki Mizumoto <nzm0095@auburn.edu>

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