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
An NSF-funded postdoctoral position is available in the Mizumoto Lab, with a flexible start date in 2027 or later.
The project investigates how collective nest-building behavior evolved in termites through three complementary approaches:
- comparative quantitative analysis of building behavior across 21 termite species
- modeling linking individual behavior to emergent nest structures
- phylogenetic comparative analyses of behavioral and nest evolution
I am interested in hearing from researchers from either computational or biological backgrounds. Relevant expertise may include computational modeling, collective behavior, quantitative behavioral analysis, social insects, comparative biology, or behavioral evolution. Experience across all of these areas is not expected, and the research emphasis can be shaped by the candidate’s background and interests.
The start date is flexible, including later in 2027 or beyond. There is currently no fixed application deadline. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Mizumoto with a CV and a brief description of their research background, interests, and potential fit with the project.
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