Graduate Research Assistantship (PhD) – Poultry Science | Auburn University

Biopractify; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science invites applications for a PhD Graduate Research Assistantship focused on Salmonella and Campylobacter in commercial poultry. The position starts Spring 2027 and combines molecular microbiology, microbiome analysis, genomics, bioinformatics, and intervention strategies.

Ideal candidates hold an MS in relevant field, completed a research thesis, and have strong English communication; hands-on experience with sequencing, Linux, R, Python, and

Qualifications

• MS in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biological Sciences or closely related field.
• Completed a research-based thesis or equivalent laboratory research project.
• Strong oral and written English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to understand and control Salmonella and Campylobacter in commercial poultry production.
• Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and sequencing library preparation.
• Work in BSL-2 laboratories and poultry facilities; culture, isolation, and classical microbiology methods.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Sequencing

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Linux

R

Python

QIIME2

Education

MS in Poultry Science

Tools

Illumina sequencing

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

PCR

qPCR

Job description

Graduate Research Assistantship (PhD) – Poultry Science | Auburn University

Institution: Auburn University – Department of Poultry Science

Location: Auburn, Alabama, USA

Position Available: Graduate Research Assistantship (PhD) – Poultry Science

Research Area: Salmonella | Campylobacter | Poultry Science | Molecular Microbiology | Microbiome Analysis | Genomics | Bioinformatics | Intervention Strategies

The Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University is seeking a highly motivated PhD graduate research assistant interested in Salmonella and Campylobacter research in commercial poultry production. The position will start in Spring 2027 and will focus on understanding and controlling foodborne pathogens through integrated approaches involving molecular microbiology, microbiome analysis, genomics, bioinformatics, and intervention strategies.

What You’ll Work On

Conduct research focused on understanding and controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in commercial poultry production.

Molecular Biology

Perform laboratory techniques including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and sequencing library preparation.

Microbiology & Biosafety

Conduct independent research in BSL-2 laboratories and poultry research facilities, including bacterial culture, isolation, and classical microbiological techniques.

Work with sequencing technologies and genomic approaches, including Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

Microbiome & Bioinformatics

Analyze microbiome and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, whole-genome sequencing data, genome assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics.

Scientific Data Analysis & Publications

Analyze experimental data and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.

Ideal Candidates

You hold an M.S. in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.

You have completed a research-based thesis or equivalent laboratory research project.

You possess strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Hands-on experience in molecular biology, microbiology, sequencing, genomics, or bioinformatics will be highly advantageous.

Experience with Linux, R, Python, QIIME2, or comparable bioinformatics tools is preferred.

Preferred Technical Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be an advantage:

• DNA/RNA extraction and quality assessment
• PCR and qPCR, including primer design and assay optimization
• Bacterial culture, isolation, and classical microbiological techniques
• Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing
• Microbiome and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis
• Whole-genome sequencing, assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics
• Bioinformatics using Linux, R, Python, QIIME2, or similar tools

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to pursue PhD-level research at Auburn University.
• Hands-on experience in poultry food safety and foodborne pathogen research.
• Training in advanced molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
• Experience working in BSL-2 laboratories and poultry research facilities.
• Opportunities to analyze research data and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Interdisciplinary research experience combining laboratory and computational approaches.

Category

PhD Research Assistantship | Poultry Science | Microbiology | Molecular Biology | Food Safety | Salmonella Research | Campylobacter Research | Genomics | Bioinformatics | Animal Science | Research Jobs

Tags

#AuburnUniversity #PhD #ResearchAssistantship #PoultryScience #Microbiology #MolecularBiology #Salmonella #Campylobacter #FoodSafety #Bioinformatics #Genomics #AnimalScience #PhDOpportunity #ResearchJobs #USAJobs