PhD Graduate Assistantship in Fisheries Ecosystem Modeling at University of Florida — $30,000/Year Plus Full Benefits
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For researchers with a Master’s degree in marine science, ecology, fisheries, or a related field who want to pursue cutting-edge applied research at the intersection of fisheries ecosystem science and real-world management — the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station is recruiting a PhD Graduate Assistant.
The position pays $30,000 per year, includes full tuition coverage, the GatorGradCare health care plan, paid leave, and a voluntary retirement programme.
The position is open until filled; apply as soon as possible.
What the Position Covers
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual salary | $30,000 |
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Health insurance | GatorGradCare — full coverage |
| Paid leave | 5 days per semester |
| Retirement | Voluntary retirement programme |
| Start date | 2027 |
This is a comprehensive package for a US PhD assistantship. The combination of $30,000 salary, full tuition, and comprehensive health coverage makes the University of Florida’s package competitive with the strongest US university research positions.
The Research: What You Will Work On
Advised by Dr. David Chagaris, you will develop ecosystem models and conduct analyses to address real-world challenges in fisheries and natural resource management. The work is highly quantitative and applied — seeking to understand how fish stocks and marine ecosystems respond to fishing pressure and environmental change, with the goal of bridging ecosystem science, stock assessment, and management.
Specific focus: Using ecosystem models to evaluate fisheries productivity and develop effective management strategies in response to:
- Climate change
- Habitat degradation and restoration
- Water quality changes
- Forage fisheries dynamics
- Harmful algal blooms
- Invasive species impacts
Geographic scope: Gulf of Mexico and Southeast US fisheries systems
Institutional home: You join the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) while pursuing your degree through either the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) or the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). This interdepartmental arrangement creates extensive opportunities for research collaboration, networking, and teaching.
You will collaborate with a diverse team including NOAA scientists and UF faculty — gaining direct experience in the science-management interface that defines applied fisheries research.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Minimum: MS degree in biology, ecology, marine science, fisheries, oceanography, wildlife, or a related field.
Preferred:
- Experience with ecosystem and food web models (especially Ecopath with Ecosim)
- Experience with fish population dynamics models and stock assessment
- Species distribution modeling and geospatial analysis of large fisheries datasets
- Proficiency in R statistical computing
- Strong written and oral communication — demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Experience in collaborative, multidisciplinary research projects
How to Apply
Submit to Dr. David Chagaris at dchagaris@ufl.edu:
- Letter of interest
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for two references
Applications are accepted and reviewed as received until the position is filled. Apply immediately; open until filled; positions close without warning once the right candidate is identified.
For more information and application:
