About Us: Join the Gaiser Aquatic Ecology Lab at the Institute of Environment at Florida International University where we study long-term dynamics of benthic algal communities. Our research projects extend over multiple decades and include the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research program. Projects generate benthic algal community data over unusually long time-frames aimed at unraveling the physicochemical and biological drivers of their dynamics over multiple temporal and spatial scales. We address questions of benthic algal resilience to and recovery from disturbance, the regimes of which are rapidly changing in subtropical Florida. Our research is highly collaborative with scientists from other universities as well as the agencies involved in restoring and sustaining the Florida Everglades. Students interested in an advanced degree (M.S. in Biology or Ph.D. in Biology) should contact Dr. Gaiser (gaisere@fiu.edu) at least three months prior to the application deadline, providing a CV and letter explaining experience and interests and how they align with the research in our lab.
Research Analyst I – Applications accepted anytime, position closes May 3, 2024
Description: This position will be based at the South Florida Water Management District in West Palm Beach. The research analyst will conduct field and laboratory studies in the Everglades and contribute to reports and publications. They will bridge strong collaborations between FIU and the agency, helping to coordinate field, laboratory, data management, and reporting tasks to understand how the Everglades ecosystem is changing as it is being restored.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences or related field.
Valued Skills: Strong communication skills, ability to work in teams, willingness to conduct field work by boat, foot, and helicopter in the Everglades, and ability (or willingness to learn) to use R code to manage data and create data summaries for reports.
To Apply: Please visit https://hr.fiu.edu/careers/ and apply to position 531927. For questions, please contact Dr. Evelyn Gaiser (contact information below).
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Applications accepted anytime, position closes April 30, 2024
Description: The postdoctoral fellow will develop questions and analytical approaches to integrate and synthesize long-term spatially extensive datasets on benthic diatom and algae species composition and their drivers. Anticipated outcomes include peer-reviewed publications that address contemporary theory in community ecology while also providing performance measures or models for assessing the restoration effectiveness in the face of other disturbances, including rapid climate change. Collaborations with the laboratory of Dr. Nathan Dorn, a food-web ecologist at FIU, will facilitate integration of top-down consumer influences on benthic algal responses to changing environmental drivers. Collaborations with Drs. Colin Saunders and Sue Newman at the South Florida Water Management District will facilitate integration with other long-term ecological studies that inform adaptive ecosystem management. The position will include participation in helicopter- and airboat-based field work in the most remote regions of the Everglades. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for professional development including developing and advancing innovative proposals for funding for related independent research.
Valued Skills: We are seeking a candidate with expertise in algal biology and taxonomy who also has skills in working with large community datasets and collaborative teams.
Position Requirements: A Ph.D. in biology or environmental science
Location: Modesto Maidique Campus, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Compensation: The starting salary for this position is expected to range between $55,000-$60,000, depending on experience. Benefits include a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, counseling and support services, and health insurance.
To Apply: Please visit https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/?posting=527744 to complete your application. Please also provide your cover letter, CV, and links to two publications via this google form.
Dr. Evelyn Gaiser
George M. Barley, Jr., Eminent Scholars Chair
Institute of Environment
11200 S.W. 8th Street, CASE 253
Miami, Florida 33199
305-348-6145
Email: gaisere@fiu.edu
