PhD Assistantship in trophic ecology: University of Florida: Description; Understanding predator-prey interactions and food web dynamics is central to ecosystem modeling and ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). Diet data from stomach content analysis (SCA) are required by most ecosystem models but can be prohibitively time consuming and expensive to acquire. Stable isotope (SI) data are easier to acquire but are not yet compatible with existing ecosystem models that require prey identification.
In addition, appropriate sample sizes and sampling regimes for collecting trophic data have yet to be established. The overall goal of this project is to integrate different trophic data types and ecosystem models to inform the large-scale collection of fish trophic data in the Gulf of Mexico.
The student will be expected to 1) integrate stable isotope information into existing ecosystem models of the Gulf of Mexico; and 2) conduct simulation experiments to optimize trophic data collection. The student will be co-advised by Dr. David Chagaris (UF Nature Coast Biological Station) and Dr. Will Patterson (UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences), and will collaborate with NOAA scientists at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.
Qualifications: The student must have an MS degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, fisheries, or related field with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 system). Preference will be given to students with a strong quantitative background, proficiency with the R statistical computing software, and an interest in stable isotope ecology, trophic dynamics, or ecosystem modeling.
For questions about the opportunity please email Dr. David Chagaris, dchagaris@ufl.edu. To be considered for the position provide a letter of interest, current CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores (optional), and contact information of three references. Contact Person; David Chagaris; Contact eMail; dchagaris@ufl.edu
Salary; $30,000 plus tuition
Last Date to Apply; 04/30/2023
Website; https://ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu/