Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
LOCATION: USA
The Auburn University Native Bee Lab, housed within the Auburn University Bee Center, is seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to join our research program focused on pollinator conservation and habitat restoration in the southeastern United States. The successful applicant will work on a collaborative research project funded by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to evaluate strategies for establishing and managing native wildflower habitats along roadsides to benefit native pollinators. Review of applications will begin now through September 15, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found.
ELIGIBILITY:
Required qualifications: An undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Botany, or a related field from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent institution abroad is required to begin an M.S. program. The selected individual must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment.
Desired qualifications: Experience contributing to native pollinator research is ideal. Specifically, experience with plant and native bee identification is optimal. However, finding an individual who is hard-working, collaborative, organized, a team player, and has a strong passion for learning is equally important.
Application description: Complete applications must include: 1) a one-page cover letter that addresses your experiences and goals with respect to this position as well as how you meet the required and desired qualifications; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) contact information for three references; and 4) copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
Application submission: All materials should be compiled as a single PDF document and submitted to Dr. Anthony Abbate (aunativebeelab@gmail.com). Please include ‘Graduate Student Opportunity’ in the email subject line.
The selected student will be expected to assume a leadership role within the laboratory by mentoring undergraduate researchers and assisting with laboratory and field operations. Numerous opportunities exist to develop expertise in native bee taxonomy, pollination ecology, restoration ecology, experimental design, and scientific communication.
The student will also participate in the collaborative atmosphere of the Auburn University Native Bee Lab through outreach activities, guest lectures, extension programming, and interdisciplinary research projects.
Opportunities for collaboration are extensive within Auburn University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, the College of Agriculture, and with state and federal agencies, including the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Start date: January 2027
Contact: Anthony Abbate aunativebeelab@gmail.com (preferred contact method)
BENEFIT:
Salary range and other benefits: Starting salary of $25,000 for M.S. program with opportunities for advancement depending on performance. The individual will be assigned a Graduate Research Assistant position that includes a full tuition waiver.
Duration: Approximately three years
