Graduate Positions at University of Central Florida
image credit: Irene Sanchez Gonzalez
M.S. and Ph.D. Positions in Freshwater Ecology and Biodiversity
The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking motivated M.S. and Ph.D. students to join the Department of Biology in Orlando, Florida. Our research focuses on freshwater ecology, biodiversity, community ecology, and conservation, with an emphasis on how species interactions and environmental change shape ecological communities. The preferred start date is July 1, 2027.
Potential projects will focus on freshwater mussel–host fish interactions, including questions related to host use and specificity, species interactions, community ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. Students will have the opportunity to develop research questions aligned with their own interests while contributing to the broader goals of the lab.
UCF offers a vibrant research community with opportunities to collaborate across ecology, evolution, conservation, and environmental science. Orlando also provides access to diverse freshwater ecosystems throughout central Florida and the southeastern United States.
Funding
Department-funded teaching assistantships are available to admitted graduate students and include a tuition waiver and insurance benefits.
Minimum Qualification
- B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife, or a related field.
- Strong interest in freshwater ecology, biodiversity, or conservation
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to participate in fieldwork, including work in outdoor and occasionally challenging conditions.
- Meet admission requirements for the UCF Biology graduate program.
Preferred Qualification
- Previous research experience in field, laboratory, computational, or quantitative settings.
- Experience with R or other statistical software.
- Experience with freshwater organisms, aquatic ecosystems, or ecological field sampling.
- Interest in freshwater mussels, fishes, species interactions, community ecology, or conservation.
To Apply
Please contact irene.sanchezgonzalez@ucf.edu before the December 1st departmental application deadline and preferably before October 1st.
Please email:
- A brief cover letter or personal statement describing your research experience, motivation for graduate school, career goals, and research interests.
- Your CV or résumé.
Please use the subject line “Graduate Student Inquiry – [Your Last Name].” Strong candidates will be encouraged to apply to the UCF Biology graduate program.
For more information about the lab, check out our website:
