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🧬 Graduate Research Assistantship (PhD) in Poultry Science | Auburn University
Institution: Auburn University – Department of Poultry Science
📍 Location: Auburn, Alabama, USA
💼 Position Available: PhD Graduate Research Assistant
🔬 Research Area: Poultry Science | Salmonella | Campylobacter | Molecular Microbiology | Microbiome Analysis | Genomics | Bioinformatics | Foodborne Pathogens
The Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University is seeking a highly motivated PhD Graduate Research Assistant for a research program focused on Salmonella and Campylobacter in commercial poultry production.
The position will start in Spring 2027 and will investigate strategies for understanding and controlling foodborne pathogens using integrated approaches involving molecular microbiology, microbiome analysis, genomics, bioinformatics, and intervention strategies.
🔬 What You’ll Work On
Foodborne Pathogen Research
Investigate important foodborne pathogens, particularly Salmonella and Campylobacter, in commercial poultry production and develop approaches to improve food safety.
Molecular Microbiology
Apply molecular biology techniques to study bacterial pathogens and their behavior in poultry production systems.
Research activities may include:
- DNA/RNA extraction
- PCR
- qPCR
- Bacterial culture
- Microbiological analysis
- Molecular characterization
Microbiome Analysis
Study microbial communities associated with poultry production and investigate their relationship with foodborne pathogen colonization and control.
Genomics & Sequencing
Conduct genomic research involving:
- Sequencing
- Sequencing library preparation
- Whole-genome sequencing
- Genome assembly
- Genome annotation
- Comparative genomics
Bioinformatics
Apply computational approaches to analyze genomic and microbiome datasets using tools and platforms such as:
- Linux
- R
- Python
- QIIME2
- Bioinformatics workflows
Intervention Strategies
Investigate potential strategies for controlling Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other foodborne pathogens in commercial poultry production.
Research Data Analysis
Analyze experimental and computational datasets and interpret results to support scientific conclusions and prepare research findings for publication.
🎯 Ideal Candidates
Applicants should have an MS degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field by the start date.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Research experience through a thesis or equivalent research project.
- Strong laboratory research skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- Interest in poultry science and food safety research.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
Desired Laboratory Skills
Preference will be given to applicants with hands-on experience in:
- DNA/RNA extraction and quality assessment
- PCR and qPCR
- Primer design
- Assay optimization
- Bacterial culture and isolation
- Classical microbiological techniques
- Sequencing library preparation
- Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing
Desired Computational & Analytical Skills
Experience with:
- Microbiome research
- 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis
- Whole-genome sequencing
- Genome assembly
- Genome annotation
- Comparative genomics
- Linux
- R
- Python
- QIIME2
- Comparable bioinformatics tools
🌟 What You’ll Gain
- Opportunity to conduct research on Salmonella and Campylobacter in commercial poultry production.
- Hands-on experience in molecular microbiology and foodborne pathogen research.
- Training in microbiome analysis and genomic approaches.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Practical exposure to bioinformatics and computational biology.
- Experience working in BSL-2 laboratories and poultry research facilities.
- Opportunity to analyze research data and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience developing and evaluating pathogen intervention strategies.
- Training in interdisciplinary approaches combining microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and poultry science.
🧪 Research Focus
The research program focuses on understanding and controlling foodborne pathogens in commercial poultry production, particularly Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The project integrates:
- Molecular microbiology
- Microbiome analysis
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Sequencing
- Bacterial characterization
- Food safety
- Pathogen intervention strategies
The selected PhD researcher will contribute to independent research while working within a multidisciplinary poultry science research environment.
💼 Anticipated Responsibilities
Selected graduate students will be expected to:
- Conduct independent research in BSL-2 laboratories and poultry research facilities.
- Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing.
- Conduct bacterial culture and microbiological experiments.
- Perform microbiome and genomic analyses.
- Analyze experimental and computational datasets.
- Interpret research findings.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
- Contribute to ongoing research activities within the department and laboratory.
🎓 Program Details
Program: PhD – Graduate Research Assistantship
Position: PhD Graduate Research Assistant
Start Date: Spring 2027
Institution: Auburn University
Department: Department of Poultry Science
Location: Auburn, Alabama, USA
Research Areas: Poultry Science | Salmonella | Campylobacter | Molecular Microbiology | Microbiome | Genomics | Bioinformatics | Food Safety
Laboratory Environment: BSL-2 Laboratories & Poultry Research Facilities
📄 How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sabin Poudel for more details before applying to the Auburn University Graduate Program.
📧 Email: SZP0208@auburn.edu
Applicants should include the following documents in their initial contact, preferably combined into one PDF file:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Unofficial Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- English Proficiency Scores – TOEFL / IELTS
- Contact Information for Three References
- Technical Skills Summary – a brief list of each technique or software tool, proficiency level, and the context in which it was used.
📌 Job Details
Institution: Auburn University
Department: Department of Poultry Science
Position: PhD Graduate Research Assistant
Program: PhD in Poultry Science
Start Date: Spring 2027
Location: Auburn, Alabama, USA
Qualification: MS in Poultry Science | Animal Science | Veterinary Science | Microbiology | Molecular Biology | Food Science | Biological Sciences | Related Field
Research Areas: Salmonella | Campylobacter | Foodborne Pathogens | Molecular Microbiology | Microbiome Analysis | Genomics | Bioinformatics
Laboratory Skills: PCR | qPCR | DNA/RNA Extraction | Bacterial Culture | Sequencing | Molecular Biology
Computational Skills: Linux | R | Python | QIIME2 | Genomics | 16S rRNA Analysis | Whole-Genome Sequencing
Application Mode: Email / Graduate Program Application
Application Contact: Dr. Sabin Poudel
Application Email: SZP0208@auburn.edu
Category
PhD Position | PhD Assistantship | Graduate Research Assistantship | Poultry Science | Microbiology | Molecular Biology | Food Science | Food Safety | Salmonella Research | Campylobacter Research | Genomics | Bioinformatics | Microbiome Research | USA Jobs | Auburn University
🏷️ Tags
#AuburnUniversity #PhDPosition #PhD #GraduateAssistantship #PoultryScience #Microbiology #MolecularBiology #FoodScience #FoodSafety
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