A four-year NSF-funded Ph.D. Research Assistantship is available in the Urban Ecosystem Ecology Lab at the University of Florida. This position will study nutrient and energy dynamics of residential stormwater ponds throughout Florida. The student will be advised by Dr. A.J. Reisinger in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Florida located in Gainesville, FL. The student will be a part of an NSF-funded project focused on evaluating ecosystem services provided by stormwater ponds, and improving our understanding of the tradeoffs between social and environmental services provided by ponds. Specifically, this position will focus on nitrogen and carbon dynamics within ponds and how these dynamics are related to pond management. Beyond this biogeochemical focus, the broader project is highly interdisciplinary, and the student will interact with faculty, staff, and students from anthropology, economics, engineering, and phycology.
Applicants from a range of backgrounds will be considered, including environmental science, biology, chemistry, ecology, hydrology, or related disciplines. Experience in freshwater aquatic ecosystems (especially ponds or lakes), and biogeochemical cycling is preferred. Applicants from historically underrepresented groups in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a MS degree by the start date of the position. Applicants can apply to either the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences or the Interdisciplinary School of Natural Resources and Environment. The expected beginning stipend for this position is $25,000 and a tuition waiver will be provided throughout the duration of the project. Start date is summer or fall 2023.
The Urban Ecosystem Ecology Lab is committed to performing cutting-edge scientific research while also promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. We conduct basic and applied research focused on urban aquatic ecosystems and water quality, working directly with end-users to protect and improve natural ecosystems while also enhancing societal goals. We are looking for someone who is motivated to expand our understanding of stormwater ponds to enhance the multitude of ecosystem services that they provide for society.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. A.J. Reisinger (reisingera@ufl.edu) with a CV and a brief statement of research experiences and interests using “Research Assistantship” as the subject line before November 1, 2022. Following this deadline, Dr. Reisinger will communicate with applicants about formally applying to the graduate program at UF. Applications for summer and fall semesters are due by January 1, 2023 and instructions can be found at https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/apply/ or https://snre.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate/how-to-apply/how-to-apply-g.... Interested students should communicate directly with Dr. Reisinger prior to applying to either program.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.