Two PhD positions in termite behavior and evolution

The Mizumoto Lab at Auburn University is recruiting two PhD students in Entomology to begin in Fall 2027 (August). Both students will join an NSF-funded project on termite collective behavior, nest construction, and social evolution while developing independent, student-led dissertation themes.

Applicants with a master’s degree and prior research experience are preferred. International applicants are welcome.

Applicants may apply to either or both positions. Those applying to both should submit one application and indicate both positions and their primary preference, if any.

Position 1: Termite collective behavior and nest building

Fieldwork; Behavioral experiments; Video analysis

This position focuses on the behavioral mechanisms and evolution of collective nest construction in termites. The student will contribute to comparative research on termite tunneling and building while developing an independent dissertation theme that builds on or extends the NSF project.

Possible activities include:

• Domestic and international fieldwork to observe and record termite behavior
• Laboratory experiments on tunneling and nest construction
• Quantitative video analysis and behavioral tracking
• Comparative analysis across termite species
• Opportunities to connect behavioral findings with modeling or simulation

This position is especially appropriate for someone motivated by animal behavior, natural history, field biology, and careful behavioral observation. Experience with insects, fieldwork, behavioral experiments, video analysis, programming, or quantitative methods is helpful but not required.

Position 2: Termite social and nest evolution

Comparative data; Phylogenetics; Modeling

This position focuses on the evolution of termite nesting systems, social organization, and collective behavior. The student will contribute to comparative and computational research while developing an independent dissertation theme that builds on or extends the NSF project.

Possible activities include:

• Phylogenetic comparative analysis of termite behavior and ecology
• Evolutionary analysis of nesting, foraging, and worker systems
• Systematic synthesis of termite life-history data
• Mathematical modeling or simulation
• Laboratory experiments testing predictions from comparative analyses and models

This position is especially appropriate for someone motivated by social evolution, macroevolution, data analysis, modeling, and extracting biological insight from complex datasets. Experience with R, Python, phylogenetics, modeling, simulation, statistics, or database management is helpful but not required.

Funding and degree

Each student will pursue a PhD in Entomology in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University. Each position includes three years of year-round research assistantship support and tuition coverage through an NSF-funded project. If additional time is needed to complete the degree, continued support will be arranged. Students are responsible for health insurance costs and certain university fees.

The students will be expected to conduct rigorous research, present at national and international conferences, publish first-author papers, and participate actively in lab and departmental activities.

Project information: NSF Award 2611846

How to apply

Email Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto at nzm0095@auburn.edu with:

1. A CV
2. A one-page statement describing your research interests, relevant experience, and interest in the position
3. Contact information for three references

The first review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026. Applications received after this date will continue to be considered until the positions are filled.

Auburn University is an R1 university in a vibrant college town with access to diverse natural areas. The Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology has a collaborative community that includes several social-insect laboratories.