Graduate (MSc) Positions in Wetland Fire Ecology – Deadline Oct 1

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Subject: Graduate (MSc) Positions in Wetland Fire Ecology – Deadline Oct 1

Graduate (MSc) positions are available to pursue research in fire science and ecology of the Everglades in the Plant Ecology Lab at Florida Atlantic University. Research will focus on quantifying fire behavior and its consequences for landscape structure and ecosystem function in wetlands. This research is being done in cooperation with Everglades National Park, A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and other regional agency and university collaborators. Positions will start for the Spring 2019 semester through either the Environmental Science or Biological Science Master’s degree programs (links below) and will be supported by a combination of teaching and research assistantships. The lab is located on the FAU campus in Davie, Florida.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree (BS or BA) in a related field (e.g., forestry, biology, environmental science, etc.)
  • Eligibility and acceptance into the graduate program
  • Valid US driver’s license and willingness to operate full-size pickup trucks
  • Ability and willingness to work in difficult field conditions (high heat and humidity, stinging insects, dense and abrasive vegetation, wildlife) accessed by airboat or helicopter
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
  • Must pass a background check

Preferred (but not mandatory) Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability for independent scientific research
  • Prior field work experience, especially for related activities (e.g., wetland, plant, or fire ecology)
  • Red Card wildland fire certification
  • Motorboat (MOCC) and/or airboat (AOCC) operator certification

The application deadline for both graduate programs is October 1st. Interested applicants must contact Dr. Brian Benscoter (bbenscot@fau.edu) prior to applying to discuss their candidacy (a letter of sponsorship is required for the application) by emailing a letter discussing your interest and qualifications, a list of relevant completed coursework (or unofficial transcript), resume/CV, GRE scores, and contact information for professional references (min. 2 references).

Plant Ecology Lab Website: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

Environmental Science MS Program: http://www.science.fau.edu/envirosci/esms_program.php

Biological Sciences MS Program: http://biology.fau.edu/academics/graduate/ms-thesis-biology-degree-programs-graduate-1.php

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Brian W. Benscoter, MSc PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Florida Atlantic University

3200 College Ave Davie, FL 33314 USA

Tel: 954.236.1141  Fax: 954.236.1099

Webpage: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab