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" <nathan_whelan@fws.gov>

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