Position Description: The Flory Lab and the IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (UF/IFAS Assessment) at the University of Florida are recruiting a M.Sc. student to conduct research on invasive plant ecology and invasion risk assessment. The student will assist the UF/IFAS Assessment Coordinator in using literature, GIS, and expert-based assessment tools to evaluate the invasion risk of non-native species that occur in the state, new species proposed for introduction, and novel agricultural and horticultural selections, hybrids, and cultivars in Florida. In these pursuits, the student will likely collaborate with experts from various organizations including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Invasive Species Council, and the UF Invasive Species Council. The student’s M.Sc. thesis could focus on a wide range of topics related to the invasion risk of non-native plant species, and could incorporate field studies and/or field, greenhouse, and growth chamber experiments.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, biology, botany, natural resources, environmental science, or a closely related field, and interest in plant ecology is required. Preferred qualifications include interest in assessing plant invasion risk, quantitative and qualitative skills, previous research experience, ability to work independently and on a team, strong work ethic, communication skills, and leadership experience or potential.

 Funding: The position is fully funded for a period of up to 2.5 years, including tuition, stipend, and benefits.

 Mentorship and program information: The student will be co-mentored/co-advised by Professor Luke Flory ([email protected]) and Postdoc and Coordinator of the UF/IFAS Assessment Seokmin Kim ([email protected]). The student may enroll as part of the UF School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE) Interdisciplinary Ecology program or in the UF Agronomy Department.

 To apply: Expressions of interest should be emailed to Dr. Kim with the subject heading: “UF/IFAS Assessment MSc application”. Please provide 1) your Academic CV, 2) a brief (~500 words) statement of purpose, including why you are interested in working as part of this research team. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Kim or to Dr. Flory.