Auburn University in Alabama, United States, is now accepting candidates for a funded PhD research role that provides a $30,000 annual salary, additional fringe benefits, and a typical tuition waiver.

The four-year doctoral slot is housed in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). The chosen scholar will work in Dr. Ian A. E. Butts' Reproductive Physiology Lab, focusing on the molecular reproductive physiology of catfish.

The university's recruitment notice states the project aims to enhance reproductive performance and offspring output in hybrid catfish, a key segment of the US aquaculture sector.

The fellow will primarily conduct experiments at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center in Auburn, Alabama, with additional activities at partner universities and research facilities throughout the Midwestern United States.

Applications close on February 1, 2027, at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time (CST). The selected individual is expected to start coursework and research in May 2027.

Scholarship Benefits

The PhD appointment supplies financial support for four years, enabling the student to pursue doctoral studies while investigating aquatic reproductive physiology.

Auburn University will pay a yearly salary of $30,000 together with fringe benefits for the entire term.

This amounts to $120,000 over the four-year period, assuming the scholar fulfills the full appointment under the stated conditions.

The recruitment announcement indicates that the university normally provides a tuition waiver.

Candidates should verify tuition details before accepting the offer.

The successful applicant will have access to the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center facilities and will take part in collaborative research at other institutions.

The appointment depends on academic approval, after which the university will enroll the candidate in its PhD program within the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.

Research Areas and Program Details

The doctoral work centers on the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing catfish reproduction.

Hybrid catfish are produced by crossing male blue catfish with female channel catfish, yet generating high-quality sperm from blue catfish remains a major hurdle for the industry.

The study seeks to deepen scientists' knowledge of factors that influence sperm quality, fertilization success, and early offspring development.

The fellow will explore reproductive physiology and pinpoint strategies to boost hybrid catfish production.

The project will also develop biomarkers for gamete quality using multi-omics analyses.

These approaches let researchers assess various biological processes and identify elements that affect reproductive performance.

Who Can Apply for the Scholarship

Auburn University looks for a motivated individual holding a master's degree in biology, aquaculture, fisheries, or a closely related field.

Applicants should show a strong interest in aquaculture, molecular physiology, and reproductive biology.

The university expects candidates to have laboratory experience in molecular biology, physiology, or both.

Bioinformatics experience can strengthen an application, though it is not mandatory.

Practical experience in fish husbandry or working with aquatic organisms may also be advantageous.

Prospects must demonstrate solid communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

The role also requires the ability to obtain a US driver's licence and have access to a vehicle.

Academic and English-Language Requirements

Applicants must possess a relevant master's degree and satisfy Auburn University's admission criteria for doctoral study.

The listing cites a minimum GPA of 3.0.

English-language standards listed are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, and Duolingo English Test 115.

However, the original advertisement does not specify these minimum scores.

International applicants should review Auburn's current graduate admission requirements to confirm the academic and language qualifications needed.

The university will consider the selected candidate for enrolment in the PhD program after completing the required academic approval process.

How to Apply for the Auburn University PhD Scholarship

Interested scholars must send their applications directly to the recruiting professor.

Applicants should compile a single PDF that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and relevant GRE information.

The complete package should be emailed to Dr. Ian A. E. Butts at iab0007@auburn.edu.

The cover letter must detail the applicant's academic background, research experience, interest in molecular reproductive physiology, and career aspirations.

Curricula vitae should list contact information for three references.

Full application instructions are available in the official research position advertisement posted on the Texas A&M University Natural Resources Job Board.

Prospective candidates may also visit the Reproductive Physiology Lab website for additional details about the research group.

Find out more details about the PhD Studentship in Molecular Reproductive Physiology of Catfish

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