A M.S. or Ph.D. Research Assistantship at The University of Florida in the Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department is available to study nitrogen biogeochemistry at clam–seagrass co-restoration sites along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Ashley Smyth and Laura Reynolds and based at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, FL and. The student will join an interdisciplinary project with a team of graduate students and PIs to better understand linkages between seagrass and shellfish restoration and nitrogen biogeochemistry. Students will also work closely with the Gulf Shellfish Institute’s research and education team and have opportunities to participate in outreach activities.

Applicants from various backgrounds will be considered, including environmental science, biology, chemistry, ecology, or related disciplines. Experience in aquatic and coastal ecosystems, and analytical chemistry is preferred. Preference for Ph.D. positions will be given to students that have completed a M.S. degree by the project start date. A competitive stipend, benefits, and tuition waiver will be provided over the project’s duration. The expected start date is Fall 2026, but is flexible.

Interested candidates should send a CV and statement of research interests to Dr. Ashley Smyth (ashley.smyth@ufl.edu) and Dr. Laura Reynolds (lkreynolds@ufl.edu) with the subject line: “Graduate Position- Nitrogen Cycling” by 12/5/2025 for consideration. Application packets are due January 2, 2026 for fall admission. Application instructions can be found at soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/apply.

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