Graduate Research
The Gann Laboratory for Spatial Ecology seeks a Master’s student for a research assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences beginning in the Spring 2027 semester. The position supports a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–funded cooperative agreement on landscape pattern in ridge-and-slough mosaics of the Florida Everglades, expanding spatial survey coverage into coastal habitats and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Baseline vegetation cover in the expansion area will be mapped with very high-resolution satellite imagery. Those maps will guide sampling design for species-composition measurements used to assess landscape change in relation to Everglades restoration, hydrologic management, and interacting drivers (including fire, exotic-plant management, and sea-level change). The research assistant will contribute to remote-sensing–based vegetation mapping (image preparation, supervised classification, and accuracy assessment), ground-referencing and field vegetation surveys, RTK-supported site establishment and revisits, and spatial/ecological data management and reporting. Field campaigns include boat- and helicopter-supported work in south Florida wetlands; schedules can be irregular during peak field periods.
The assistantship includes a tuition waiver and a stipend at the current FIU Master’s graduate assistant rate in Biological Sciences. Appointment is contingent on admission to (or enrollment in) the Biological Sciences MS program, satisfactory academic progress, and continued project funding.
Preferred preparation includes coursework or experience in remote sensing, GIS, and/or surveying; familiarity with R or similar scripting; prior vegetation or Everglades field experience; and GNSS or survey-grade positioning (RTK/PPK a plus). Applicants must be willing and able to participate in wetland field sampling under south Florida conditions.
For initial inquiry, contact Dr. Daniel Gann at gannd@fiu.edu. Include (PDF preferred): (1) a research interest statement (1–2 pages) addressing motivation for landscape/spatial ecology in wetland systems, fit interest statements to high-resolution vegetation mapping and restoration-related monitoring, relevant preparation and experience, MS goals, and availability for a Spring 2027 start including boat-/helicopter-supported fieldwork; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review); and (4) contact information for three references. Review begins upon receipt and continues until the position is filled. See also https://biology.fiu.edu/ and https://gradschool.fiu.edu/.
Post-Doctoral Research
Currently, no post-doctoral research positions are available.
Undergraduate Research Internships
Our research team would like to invite you to join us in our landscape-scale ecological research. We conduct several projects that involve vast vegetation and elevation mapping components that are then used for landscape-scale analysis of vegetation pattern changes and how they impact the fauna. You will develop skills in remote sensing, GIS, field survey methods (GPS, photogrammetry, LiDAR), and data analysis. You will participate in data collection campaigns in remote areas of the Everglades that are only accessible by airboat or helicopter and get unique perspectives of different Everglades ecosystems.
We offer paid undergraduate assistantships for students that can commit to at least 5 hours per week (no more than 15 hours) for at least two consecutive semesters. Volunteer opportunities are also available for students interested in landscape ecology. We welcome all curious minds to participate in research project discussions and lab meetings.
For initial inquiry contact Dr. Daniel Gann at gannd@fiu.edu. Include a statement of your research interest in our current projects and your unofficial transcript and an estimated time commitment for the current and the coming semester.
Technical Job Openings
Currently, no technical job openings are available.
