Position Description: The cotton breeding program at Auburn University is seeking a Ph.D. graduate student to assist with research activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing a dissertation research project related to the discovery of host plant resistance to aphids. This will be a full-time assistantship in which the graduate research assistant will be expected to 1) work 20 hours per week in the cotton breeding research program; 2) teach one undergraduate laboratory section twice during the duration of their appointment; 3) publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals; 4) present their research findings at a minimum of two professional conferences; 5) maintain good academic standing within the department, college, and university; 6) participate in departmental social and professional activities. Within the candidate’s first year they will be expected to setup an advisory committee and program of study. It will be the responsibility of the graduate research assistant to familiarize themselves with the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Graduate Student Handbook.    

Qualifications:  M.S. degree in plant breeding, entomology or related plant biology program. Strong communication skills. Familiarity with plant genomic laboratory techniques, and capacity to learn and conduct field-based phenotyping.

Location: The position will be on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.  

Salary and Benefits: The stipend for this assistantship is $30,000 per year with tuition and fee waivers.

Starting Date: January 2024 or until position is filled.

Application Process: 

Submit the following documents electronically to jenny.koebernick@auburn.edu 

• CV or resume
• Statement of interest. Tell us why you want to be a plant breeder.
• Contact information for three references
• GRE Scores

The application deadline is 12/31/2023.

Contact for Additional Information: Dr. Jenny Koebernick (jenny.koebernick@auburn.edu), Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University.

Qualifications:  M.S. degree in plant breeding, entomology or related plant biology program. Strong communication skills. Familiarity with plant genomic laboratory techniques, and capacity to learn and conduct field-based phenotyping.