Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Molecular Ecology at Auburn University, USA (2026) - Fully Funded

Auburn University is inviting applications for a fully funded Postdoctoral Fellow position in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences within the College of Agriculture.

This opportunity is ideal for researchers interested in:

• molecular ecology,
• aquatic sciences,
• fisheries biology,
• environmental DNA (eDNA),
• invasive species research,
• and aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

The position offers the opportunity to work with advanced molecular and sequencing approaches to study fish populations in Alabama aquaculture systems.

About the Position

The postdoctoral researcher will work collaboratively with:

Dr. Shannon Brewer and Dr. Jessica Rieder

The research focuses on understanding:

• the diversity and dynamics of fish populations,
• invasive and non-native aquatic species,
• and ecological monitoring in aquaculture systems.

The project combines:

• field ecology,
• molecular biology,
• environmental DNA analysis,
• and sequencing technologies.

Position Details

Feature	Details
Position	Postdoctoral Fellow
Institution	Auburn University
Department	School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences
Location	Alabama, USA
Employment Type	Full-Time
Contract Type	Limited Term
Initial Duration	1 Year (Renewable)
Salary	USD $39,000 – $50,000 per year
Funding	Fully Funded
Application Review Starts	5 May 2026

Research Responsibilities

The selected candidate will conduct both independent and collaborative research.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Fish Population and Aquatic Ecology Research

You will investigate:

• fish population dynamics,
• aquatic biodiversity,
• invasive species prevalence,
• and non-native species ecology.

The research specifically targets Alabama aquaculture systems.

2. Environmental DNA (eDNA) and Molecular Approaches

The project heavily emphasizes advanced molecular ecology tools, including:

• environmental DNA (eDNA),
• sequencing technologies,
• molecular identification methods,
• and genomic approaches.

Researchers with strong molecular biology skills will have a significant advantage.

3. Field and Laboratory Experiments

You will:

• design field-based studies,
• conduct laboratory analyses,
• collect ecological data,
• and implement molecular experiments.

4. Data Analysis and Statistical Modelling

Responsibilities include:

• analyzing ecological and molecular datasets,
• interpreting results using statistical approaches,
• and generating scientific outputs.

Experience in quantitative analysis is highly valuable.

5. Scientific Publications and Grant Development

The successful candidate will:

• publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals,
• present at conferences and stakeholder meetings,
• and contribute to grant proposal development.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must have:

A PhD in  Biology, Ecology, Molecular Ecology, or a closely related discipline before the employment start date.

Preferred Skills

Strong candidates may have experience in:

• molecular ecology,
• environmental DNA (eDNA),
• sequencing technologies,
• fisheries science,
• ecological statistics,
• and aquatic biodiversity research.

Programming and statistical analysis experience can also strengthen an application.

Research Environment

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University is recognized for research in:

• aquatic ecology,
• fisheries management,
• aquaculture systems,
• and environmental conservation.

Researchers collaborate across:

• academic teams,
• government agencies,
• and stakeholder organizations.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers:

• annual salary between USD $39,000–$50,000,
• employee benefits,
• research support,
• and opportunities for professional development.

Renewal beyond the first year depends on:

• performance,
• and funding availability.

Why This Opportunity Is Valuable

This is an excellent opportunity for researchers aiming to build expertise in:

• molecular ecology,
• environmental genomics,
• fisheries science,
• and aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

Environmental DNA and sequencing approaches are rapidly becoming central tools in:

• biodiversity assessment,
• conservation biology,
• and ecological monitoring.

Researchers with interdisciplinary molecular and ecological expertise are increasingly in demand internationally.

Life at Auburn University

Auburn University emphasizes:

• research excellence,
• collaborative science,
• work-life balance,
• and professional development.

The Auburn/Opelika region offers:

• affordable living,
• strong research infrastructure,
• and easy access to major cities in the southeastern United States.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Cover Letter
• Academic CV
• Academic Transcripts
• Contact Information for Three Professional References

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information

For questions about the position:

• Dr. Shannon Brewer — skb0064@auburn.edu
• Dr. Jessica Rieder — jrieder@auburn.edu

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Auburn University strongly promotes:

• equal opportunity,
• diversity,
• inclusion,
• and equitable academic environments.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Official Application Link

Apply here: Auburn University Job Application Portal 

Final Thoughts

This is a strong opportunity for researchers interested in:

• aquatic ecology,
• molecular biodiversity monitoring,
• fisheries science,
• and environmental DNA technologies.

Candidates with interdisciplinary expertise in molecular ecology and aquatic sciences will be especially competitive.

Because eDNA and molecular monitoring are rapidly transforming ecological research worldwide, this position offers valuable long-term career potential in both academic and applied environmental science sectors.