PhD Funded Position in PFAS and herbicides in sub-tropical fish at University of Florida in the United States (Salary: $30,000/ year): PhD Student Opportunity in Fisheries & Aquatic Science: “Forever Chemicals” in Florida’s Freshwater Fish. Join the Florida LAKEWATCH lab at University of Florida (Gainesville FL USA) and unravel the complex associations of per- and poly- fluorindated substances (PFAS) and herbicides in sub-tropical freshwater fish! > Important topic at the forefront of environmental science! > Interdisciplinary research team and dynamic department. > Potential for extensive field & lab work. > Fully funded for 4 years (minimum $30K/year stipend + benefits)! Partial remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Project Description: Under the guidance of Dr. Gretchen Lescord at the School of Forests, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS), University of Florida, this project will examine the presence and ecological behavior of PFAS in Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have raised concerns due to their persistence and health impacts. There is therefore an urgent need to assess their presence on understudied freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, while herbicides are commonly used to manage invasive aquatic plants in Florida, their potential association with PFAS and the ecological consequences thereof are poorly understood.
Your Role: As a PhD student leading this project, you will have the opportunity to design and conduct field measurements and laboratory experiments to investigate PFAS and herbicide behavior and associations in Florida’s lakes and rivers. Funding and infrastructure are available to support a range of lab and field activities; additional funding applications for enhanced research will be supported. You will be a member of the Florida LAKEWATCH program at SFFGS, which strives to be a supportive learning environment that enables integral, innovative, and impactful research. We will work alongside experts from the UF Center for Human and Environmental Toxicology and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), benefiting from a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. This collaboration also ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing complex environmental challenges.
Qualifications: We are seeking one PhD candidate with a strong background in environmental science, ecology, analytical chemistry, or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical skills, a passion for environmental research, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research setting. Ideally, a M.Sc. program will have been completed before the candidate begins. Additionally, candidates should have exceptional communication skills and an interest in participatory science and the Florida LAKEWATCH program’s outreach efforts. Please note that M.Sc. applications for this project are not being considered at this time.
Admissions and funding; The home department of the successful candidate will be the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences in UF/IFAS. Guidelines and requirements for graduate school admissions, which the selected candidate is responsible for successfully completing, should be reviewed prior to applying. The position will be funded for 4 years (PhD) through a graduate research assistantship at a minimum of $30K USD/year plus tuition support; final stipend amounts are negotiable.
Apply now! Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the forefront of environmental science. Join our team and make a meaningful impact on the management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems. Feel free to reach out to Dr. Lescord with any questions or for additional information (lescord.g@ufl.edu).
Information about SFFGS and application guidelines can be found here: https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/apply/.
Application Deadline: 05/31/2024