Research Assistant

Job Description

Overview

The Valente Biodiversity Conservation Lab is hiring a 1-year
research assistant (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2027) to support
ongoing data collection, management, and analysis. This work takes
place within the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at
Auburn University in close collaboration with employees from the
U.S. Geological Survey and Alabama Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (ADCNR). The focus of the project has been to
help ADCNR understand the impacts of historical management
activities of Alabama’s wildlife populations and inform future
approaches to habitat management on state lands. Field work on the
project has largely been completed, and we are seeking a research
assistant who will assist with equipment maintenance, data
organization, processing, and analysis, and report and manuscript
preparation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain field and lab equipment
• Coordinate all aspects of data management, including data

entry, proofing, formatting, and analysis

• Participate in field-based sampling efforts for birds, mammals,

and vegetation as necessary to complete the project

• Ensure field vehicles are maintained
• Acquire and maintaining GIS databases
• Disseminate project information in the form of reports,

peer-reviewed manuscripts, and presentations

• Process remotely recorded data (camera images and acoustic

files)

• Document Protocols
• Gather and organize publicly available datasets for integration

into our analyses

Qualifications

Level I:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Forestry or a

closely related field.

Level II:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Forestry or a

closely related field and 2 years of experience in research
practices and protocols.

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Forestry or a

closely related field and 4 years of experience in research
practices and protocols.

Leve IV:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Forestry or a

closely related field and 6 years of experience in research
practices and protocols.

Job related licensure may be required for specific
positions.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the
required education, but lacks the required experience, they may
normally apply additional appropriate education toward the
experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant
education per year of required experience.

Contract Type

Limited Term

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through

research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our
students, our communities, and the world.

• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging

our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top
employer in higher education.

• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits,

educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life
balance.

• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers

southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and
easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico
beaches.

• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering

an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed,
valued, respected, and engaged.

• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education
opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected
veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification
protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal
Opportunity Compliance's website to learn
more.

Posted Date

10/15/2026