Research Assistant

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.

• 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

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.

• Possesses general knowledge in field of research, and has strong knowledge of moderately complex equipment, materials and processes related to lab/facility operations, including moderately complex procedures for observation, documentation and data collection.
• Computer Skills
• Capable of working in both inside and outdoor settings
• Strong communication skills in oral and written English

• 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!