Florida International University, Gann Laboratory for Spatial Ecology · Florida · assistantship · posted 51 days ago
Graduate Research Assistantship for M.S. Biological Sciences Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Environment Florida International University (Miami, FL) Gann Laboratory for Spatial Ecology (https://gannlab.fiu.edu/) Start date: Beginning of Spring 2027 (January 11, 2027) POSITION DESCRIPTION Dr. Gann seeks a Master’s student for a research assistantship supporting a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–funded cooperative agreement on landscape pattern detections in ridge-and-slough mosaics of the Florida Everglades. The overall project expands spatial survey coverage of plant communities into coastal habitats and Big Cypress National Preserve. Baseline vegetation cover will be mapped using very high-resolution satellite imagery. Baseline maps will inform the sampling design for species-composition measurements to assess plant community change related to Everglades restoration, hydrologic management, and interacting drivers (fire, exotic-plant management, and sea-level change). RESPONSIBILITIES - Assist with high-resolution remote-sensing–based vegetation mapping (image preparation, supervised classification, accuracy assessment with ground-reference observations) - Participate in ground-referencing and field vegetation surveys - Support precise site establishment and revisits using RTK methods matched to imagery resolution - Manage, document, and analyze spatial and ecological datasets for project reporting - Contribute to maps, summaries, and written or presentation materials Field campaigns include boat- and helicopter-supported work in south Florida wetlands and preserves. Schedules can be irregular during peak field periods. SUPPORT Tuition waiver plus stipend at the current FIU Master’s graduate assistant rate in Biological Sciences. Appointment is contingent on admission and enrollment in the Biological Sciences MS program, satisfactory academic progress, and continued project funding. QUALIFICATIONS Required: - Eligibility for a Master’s research assistantship in Biological Sciences at FIU - Strong interest in landscape/spatial ecology, wetland vegetation, and/or Everglades restoration science - Careful work with geospatial and tabular data; clear documentation of methods and results - Willingness and physical ability to participate in wetland field sampling under south Florida conditions Preferred: - Coursework or experience in remote sensing, GIS, and/or surveying - Familiarity with R (or similar scripting) for data analysis and reproducible workflows - Prior vegetation, ecological field, or Everglades research experience - GNSS or survey-grade positioning (RTK/PPK a plus) TO APPLY Email the following to Dr. Daniel Gann (gannd@fiu.edu), PDF preferred: 1) Research interest statement (1–2 pages, single-spaced) addressing: motivation for landscape/spatial ecology and wetland systems; fit to high-resolution vegetation mapping, baseline-map sampling design, and restoration-related change monitoring; relevant preparation; MS thesis/career goals; and availability for Spring 2027 including boat-/helicopter-supported fieldwork 2) Curriculum vitae 3) Transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review) 4) Contact information for three references Review of applications begins upon receipt and continues until the position is filled. Lab: https://gannlab.fiu.edu/ Department of Biological Sciences: https://biology.fiu.edu/ FIU Graduate School: https://gradschool.fiu.edu/ Florida International University is an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Daniel Gann Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences Institute of Environment Florida International University Miami, FL 33199 phone: 305-348-1971
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