March 6, 2014 NSF-REU in Coral Reef Ecology at Florida International University
We seek a highly motivated undergraduate to fill a National Science Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in coral reef ecology at Florida International University. The successful applicant will work with Drs. Deron Burkepile (http://www2.fiu.edu/~dburkepi/Home.html) and Rebecca Vega Thurber (http://microbiology.science.oregonstate.edu/node/182) focusing on the role of corallivorous fishes, parrotfishes and butterflyfishes, as vectors of potentially pathogenic microbes and as agents of change for the coral microbiome. This position is for an undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career or graduate studies in Marine Sciences. The successful candidate will live and work on Key Largo in the Florida Keys and gain basic field and laboratory research skills in coral reef ecology and microbiology. The primary responsibility of the student will be to conduct experiments on how corallivores impact coral health and growth and potentially vector microbes to corals via predation. There will be ample opportunities to participate in other projects studying herbivore foraging behavior, coral recruitment, and nutrient dynamics on coral reefs. Eligibility: Undergraduates in their junior and senior years with interests in biology, microbiology, and environmental sciences are invited to apply. Students cannot have graduated at the time of the fellowship. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. Minorities and underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply. Qualifications: Applicants should have a classroom/laboratory background in ecology and marine biology. Experience working on coral reefs and/or with microbiological techniques is preferred. Applicants MUST be certified SCUBA divers with at least 20 logged dives. Certification with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is necessary before fieldwork begins. This REU position runs June 1-August 15, 2014, but dates can be flexible. A stipend of $5,500 will be provided to the student for the 12-week full-time program. In addition, the student will be provided housing at no cost. Students from outside of the South Florida area also may apply for travel funds assistance. This position is funded by the National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography Program. Application Procedures: Applicants will need to submit: 1) Cover letter stating background and interest in the position; 2) CV (resume); 3) College transcripts of all completed work (unofficial transcript is fine); 4) A statement of career goals and research interests; and 5) Evidence of SCUBA diving and/or AAUS certification. Please submit as a single PDF file to Dr. Deron Burkepile via email at [email protected]. In addition, have two letters of reference sent directly to Dr. Burkepile from your letter writers. Please direct any questions to Dr. Burkepile via email. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2014.
