PhD Graduate Assistant Fisheries Ecosystem Modeling, University of Florida
We are seeking a highly motivated graduate assistant (GA) to develop ecosystem models and conduct analyses to address real-world challenges in fisheries and natural resource management. Our work is highly quantitative and applied, and seeks to understand how fish stocks and marine ecosystems respond to fishing and environmental change. In doing so, we aim to bridge the gap between ecosystem science, stock assessment, and management, while also advancing ecological theories and concepts.
This opportunity is open to prospective PhD students interested in learning to develop applied fisheries ecosystem models. The graduate assistant will work on one or more projects that share the overarching goal of informing ecosystem-based fisheries management for the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast U.S. Specifically, the student will use ecosystem models to evaluate fisheries productivity and develop effective management strategies in response to changes in climate, habitat, water quality, forage fisheries, harmful algal blooms, and invasive species.
The PhD student will be advised by Dr. David Chagaris and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and faculty members from NOAA and UF. The GA will join the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS, https://ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu/) while pursuing their degree through the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS, https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/) or the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE, https://snre.ifas.ufl.edu/). The interdepartmental arrangement provided through NCBS, SFFGS, and SNRE offers many opportunities for research collaboration, networking, and teaching.
Salary: Annual salary is $30,000, plus tuition and benefits, including GatorGradCare health care plan, paid leave (5 days/per semester), and a voluntary retirement program.
- Posted: August 13, 2026
- Job Type: PhD
- Organization: University of Florida
- Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: MS degree in biology, ecology, marine science, fisheries, oceanography, wildlife, or related field. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge and experience with ecosystem and food web models, fish population dynamic models and stock assessment, species distribution models, and geospatial analysis of large fisheries and environmental datasets Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at professional conferences. Experience with the Ecopath with Ecosim ecosystem modeling software package. Proficient in R statistical computing software. Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary projects, and leading research projects.
- How to apply: Application Requirements: Please submit a letter of interest, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts and contact information of two references to David Chagaris, dchagaris@ufl.edu. Applications will be accepted and reviewed as they are received, until the position is filled.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
Contact Information
David Chagaris
dchagaris@ufl.edu