Join the Mizumoto Lab
Graduate students
We are recruiting two PhD students in Entomology for Fall 2027:
- Termite collective behavior and nest building: fieldwork, behavioral experiments, and video analysis
- Termite social and nest evolution: comparative data, phylogenetics, modeling, and simulation
Applicants may apply to either or both positions. See the Fall 2027 PhD recruitment page for full descriptions and application instructions.
Postdoctoral researcher
We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study termite behavior and evolution, with an anticipated start in 2027. The position is expected to be available for up to three years.
Download the postdoc advertisement (PDF) for the full position description and application instructions.
Undergraduate researchers
Undergraduate students may participate through research credit (ENTM 4980, 1–3 credit hours) or paid hourly work.
Research-credit students conduct a small, student-led project developed with Dr. Mizumoto based on their interests and available lab projects. Previous topics include environmental effects on termite tunneling and the evolution of body size in termites and cockroaches. Students are expected to work consistently, maintain organized records, analyze their results, and communicate their findings through a report or presentation. Students are also encouraged to present at the Auburn Research Symposium and submit their work to the Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship.
Paid undergraduate positions are compensated at $12 per hour, subject to available funding and project needs. Students typically assist with graduate student-led or faculty-led projects. Tasks may include termite colony maintenance, behavioral tracking correction, labeling termite body parts for machine-learning analysis, specimen processing, and database entry.
To inquire, email Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto at nzm0095@auburn.edu with:
- CV
- Major
- Academic year and expected graduation date
- Brief description of research interests
- Interest in ENTM 4980, paid work, or either option