We are seeking a self-driven and highly motivated PhD student to join the
Willoughby lab in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at
Auburn University. This NSF funded assistantship (starting August 2025)
offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge research
project focused on the evolutionary dynamics of trout, exploring the
impacts of climate change and interspecies competition on population
stability and adaptability. The successful candidate will work on a
project specifically addressing the predicted range shifts of rainbow
and cutthroat trout, using advanced agent-based modeling techniques
to assess habitat conflicts, resource competition, introgression, and
evolutionary responses. By targeting these components, this research
will provide insights into how aquatic ecosystems adapt to environmental
stressors, which is crucial for informing global conservation strategies
and sustaining biodiversity in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

This project is part of a larger, interdisciplinary collaboration
involving the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the
University of Wyoming. The research is highly transdisciplinary, combining
human dimensions and climate modeling with evolutionary modeling in our
lab, offering a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the
challenges posed by climate change on freshwater ecosystems. Models and
data generated across these institutions will be integrated to provide
comprehensive insights.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an agent-based model to simulate the
  evolutionary and ecological dynamics of trout species under changing
  environmental conditions.
- Analyze ecological and climate data to understand the impact of
  introgression, competition, and environmental changes on population
  stability.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of PhD students and scientists,
  including experts in climate modeling, human dimensions, and
  evolutionary biology from NCAR, the University of Wyoming, and Auburn
  University.
- Communicate research findings through presentations at national and
  international conferences and publications in high-impact journals.
- Participate in outreach and science communication efforts aligned with
  Auburn University¡¯s land-grant mission.

Qualifications:
- A Master¡¯s degree in biology, ecology, genetics, or a related field
  (exceptional candidates with a Bachelor¡¯s degree may also be
  considered).
- A strong interest in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics,
  climate modeling, and interdisciplinary research.- Experience with
  programming (e.g., Python, R) and/or modeling software (e.g., NetLogo)
  is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in
  an interdisciplinary and collaborative team.
- A commitment to inclusion in the scientific community.- Highly
  interested in the fate and evolution of threatened and endangered
  species, and in particular how evolution and genetic data inform our
  ability to conserve and manage these species.
- Ability and desire to learn modeling without launching your computer
  out the window (thinking this occasionally is ok and expected)

Auburn University is a top-tier research institution located in a vibrant,
mid-sized city in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With
its rich academic environment and a strong commitment to research
excellence, Auburn provides a supportive and dynamic setting for graduate
education. The university offers many resources for students, including
a new game room, a recreational center with indoor climbing towers, a
¨÷ mile track, leisure, and swimming pools, as well as other fitness
equipment and facilities. Local attractions include farmers markets,
Auburn City Fest, and the newly constructed Gouge Performing Arts
Center. The nearby Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and Tuskegee National
Forest offer additional recreational opportunities year-round. Graduate
students in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment receive a
competitive stipend and tuition remission, along with opportunities for
professional development and career advancement. Diverse viewpoints that
incorporate knowledge and experiences historically and systematically
underrepresented are highly valued in our lab for the direct enhancement
of research and outputs and for the betterment of society. We strongly
encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and
perspectives.

We will be interviewing interested candidates prior to any official
application to the College or University. Therefore, all candidates in
the trout evolution portion of this multidisciplinary project should
send an email to Dr. Janna WIlloughby at jwilloughy@auburn.edu with
your background, research interests, and a PDF of your CV. (Students
interested in human dimensions aspects of this project should
reach out to Dr. Kelly Dunning at the University of Wyoming, at
kelly.dunning@uwyo.edu). Applications will be evaluated on a rolling
basis, but all applications submitted by November 1, 2024, will be given
full consideration. Join us at Auburn University and collaborate with
leading institutions to tackle the critical challenges of climate change
and species conservation through innovative, interdisciplinary research.

Janna Willoughby <jwilloughby@auburn.edu>

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