MS & PhD Opportunity at Auburn University, USA Apply now

Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is inviting applications for a funded MS or PhD position in Personality and Cognition in Wild Birds under the supervision of Dr. Kelsey McCune. This exciting graduate research opportunity offers students the chance to investigate animal behavior, cognition, and personality traits in wild bird populations using innovative automated technologies. The selected student will work on developing and deploying “smart feeders” to study behavioral patterns across native bird species in the southeastern United States. Students interested in ornithology, wildlife research, animal behavior, ecology, and conservation science are strongly encouraged to apply.

Social Worker Oxfordshire County Council, UK Apply now

1. Introduction

Understanding how animals think, learn, and behave is one of the most fascinating areas of modern wildlife research. Personality and cognition influence how animals interact with their environment, respond to challenges, and adapt to changing conditions.

The McCune Lab at Auburn University is conducting innovative research to explore these questions in wild bird populations. Through the use of automated smart feeder technology, researchers can collect behavioral data from free-living birds while minimizing disturbance to their natural environment.

This graduate opportunity provides students with hands-on experience in behavioral ecology, wildlife monitoring, technology development, data analysis, and scientific communication. It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers who want to combine wildlife science with technology and conservation.

2. Opportunity Overview

Quick Overview

• Position: MS or PhD Student
• Research Area: Personality and Cognition in Wild Birds
• University: Auburn University
• Department: College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
• Location: Auburn, Alabama, USA
• Funding: Graduate Assistantship
• Salary: $23,000–$28,000 per year
• Additional Benefits: Tuition Waiver and University Benefits
• Supervisor: Dr. Kelsey McCune
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
• Start Date: January 2027

Key Highlights

• Funded MS and PhD positions
• Annual stipend up to $28,000
• Tuition waiver included
• Research on wild bird behavior and cognition
• Fieldwork across the southeastern United States
• Opportunity to publish scientific research
• Interdisciplinary wildlife and technology project

3. Benefits

Successful applicants will receive numerous academic and professional benefits.

Financial Support

• Annual stipend of $23,000–$28,000
• Tuition waiver
• Graduate student benefits package

Research Experience

Students will gain practical experience in:

• Wildlife research
• Behavioral ecology
• Animal cognition studies
• Ornithology
• Conservation science
• Field data collection

Technical Skill Development

Opportunities to work with:

• Smart feeder systems
• RFID technology
• PIT tags
• Automated wildlife monitoring
• Data management systems

Professional Development

Students will:

• Publish scientific papers
• Present research at conferences
• Mentor undergraduate students
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers
• Engage in science communication activities

4. Area of Study

The project combines several exciting research disciplines.

Primary Research Areas

• Ornithology
• Animal Behavior
• Wildlife Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Comparative Psychology
• Animal Cognition
• Conservation Biology

Technical Areas

• RFID Technology
• PIT Tag Systems
• Arduino Programming
• Automated Monitoring Systems
• Data Analytics
• R Programming

Research Responsibilities

The selected student will:

• Design and deploy smart feeders
• Conduct field research on wild birds
• Measure behavioral traits
• Analyze ecological and behavioral data
• Develop hardware and software solutions
• Publish scientific findings
• Present research to scientific and public audiences

5. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

Educational Requirements

For MS Applicants:

• Bachelor’s degree before January 2027
• GPA above 3.0

For PhD Applicants:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Completed Master’s degree before starting the PhD program
• GPA above 3.0

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong written English communication skills
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Teamwork and collaboration abilities
• Critical thinking skills
• Motivation for scientific research

Relevant Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Avian Behavior
• Animal Cognition
• Wildlife Ecology
• Comparative Psychology
• Behavioral Research
• Field Biology

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants with experience in:

• PIT Tags
• RFID Technology
• Arduino Microcontrollers
• R Programming
• Behavioral Data Analysis
• Automated Monitoring Systems

6. Required Documents

Applicants must upload a single PDF file containing all application materials.

Required Documents

1. Statement of Interest (Maximum 2 Pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Unofficial Transcripts from All Colleges Attended
4. Contact Information for Three Professional References

PDF File Naming Format

LastName_FirstName.pdf

Statement of Interest Should Include

• Academic background
• Research experience
• Career goals
• Research interests
• Motivation for joining the McCune Lab

7. Application Process

OFFICIAL LINK

Step 1

Prepare all required documents.

Step 2

Combine all documents into one PDF file.

Step 3

Name the file according to the required format:

LastName_FirstName.pdf

Step 4

Complete the online application form.

Step 5

Upload the PDF file and submit the application.

Application Deadline

📅 31 August 2026

Contact Information

Dr. Kelsey McCune
📧 kbm0054@auburn.edu

Official Information

Graduate Opportunity:
https://auburn.edu

Application Form:
(Link provided by the program announcement)

8. How to Avail This Opportunity

To strengthen your application:

Highlight Relevant Research Experience

Emphasize work related to:

• Wildlife Research
• Ornithology
• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• Conservation Biology

Demonstrate Technical Skills

Mention experience with:

• R Programming
• Arduino
• RFID Systems
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Management

Write a Strong Statement of Interest

Clearly explain:

• Why you are interested in bird cognition and personality research
• Your future career goals
• How your experience aligns with the project

Secure Strong References

Choose professional references who can comment on your:

• Research abilities
• Academic performance
• Scientific potential
• Work ethic

Submit Early

Avoid waiting until the deadline and ensure all documents are complete before submission.

Conclusion

The Personality and Cognition in Wild Birds graduate opportunity at Auburn University offers an outstanding pathway for students interested in wildlife research, animal behavior, and conservation science. With competitive funding, tuition support, field research opportunities, and mentorship from an experienced research team, this MS and PhD position provides an excellent environment for developing a successful research career. Students passionate about ornithology, behavioral ecology, and innovative wildlife technologies should strongly consider applying before the 31 August 2026 deadline.