A Ph.D. research assistantship is available in the Aquatic Plants Lab (Agronomy Department) at the University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). The successful candidate will work with Dr. Lyn Gettys on research projects that focus on aquatic ecosystems; possible topics include aquatic restoration, ecology, invasive plant biology, IPM for aquatic weed management and the effect of climate change on aquatic and wetland plants, although proposals from prospective students are invited as well. Research projects should be integrated and will include greenhouse, field and laboratory components. There will also be significant opportunities to develop extension experience by delivering results to resource managers and other stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a team player and a team leader but should be able to work alone; they should also have excellent communication skills and be resourceful, motivated and passionate about aquatic ecosystems. Applicants must have an earned MS degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science or a related discipline from an accredited institution and a Revised GRE Score (V + Q) of 315 or greater. The successful candidate must hold a valid driver’s license and know how to swim; the ability to trailer, launch, operate and load a 16’ skiff is beneficial but not required. An attractive assistantship package – including stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance benefits and access to very inexpensive graduate housing – is available to well-qualified candidates.
This position is located in Davie, Florida (Broward County) and is minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Nearby areas of interest include Everglades National Park, Lake Okeechobee, the largest constructed wetlands in the world and many natural areas and preserves. Focus areas at the FLREC include wildlife ecology, biology and control of exotic plants and animals, geomatics, horticulture, landscape ecology, entomology, nematology and plant pathology (visit the FLREC webpage at http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/). The Center has a fully equipped chemistry lab that is managed by a senior chemist and FLREC faculty work closely with biocontrol and genetics researchers at the USDA ARS Invasive Plants Research Laboratory, which is located on-site.
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Gettys (lgettys@ufl.edu) for additional information. The target date for filling this assistantship is Spring (January) 2016, but some flexibility may be possible based on circumstances.
