PhD Positions (1-2) in Movement Ecology of Marine Species
Integrative Biology Department, University of South Florida
The Griffin Lab at the University of South Florida invites applications for 1-2 PhD positions to explore movement ecology in marine species. In collaboration with Dr. Margaret Lamont (USGS), Research Wildlife Biologist at the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, students will work with multiple species in Northwest Florida and the greater Gulf of Mexico region. These PhD positions offer opportunities to investigate a variety of ecological questions across species, including sea turtles, cobia, sturgeon, and other species of regional interest.
Potential areas of research could include habitat use, species distribution modeling (SDMs), climate change impacts, and predator-prey relationships, using tools such as mark-and-recapture, satellite telemetry, acoustic telemetry, and AI. Students will have the flexibility to focus on multi-species or species-specific analyses, with the possibility of acquiring additional datasets through collaborations with a broad network of partners.
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Primary Responsibilities:
● Analyze existing telemetry datasets and explore different research avenues focused on movement ecology. Apply AI for image recognition.
● Investigate topics such as multi-species habitat use, species distribution, and climate change impacts.
● Engage in fieldwork, such as telemetry (acoustic/satellite), nesting surveys, and working with federal and regional collaborators, as relevant to the project.
Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., ecology, marine biology, wildlife biology).
● Experience with R and ecological data analyses.
● Interest in marine movement ecology, species conservation, and multispecies research.
Lab & Collaborative Environment:
We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds are valued and can thrive. The Griffin Lab offers a highly collaborative setting, with strong partnerships with federal researchers and regional conservation organizations. In collaboration with Dr. Margaret Lamont, who works on a range of species across the region, students will have access to diverse research opportunities and datasets, allowing flexibility to explore various ecological questions across multiple species. PhD students will receive teaching assistantships (TAs) and are encouraged and expected to pursue independent fellowships and funding opportunities. We strive to balance mentorship with independence, creating a lab culture that supports both personal and professional growth within a welcoming, inclusive community.
Department & University:
The positions are based in the Department of Integrative Biology (IB) at USF, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). USF is one of only two public universities in Florida in the AAU, reflecting its strong commitment to research excellence. With IB located in Tampa, USF offers an exciting environment for academic research and student life. For more information, visit Griffin Lab and the Department of Integrative Biology (IB.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Drs. Lucas Griffin at lpgriffin@usf.edu.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but a full application must be submitted to USF by November 30, 2025to be eligible for TA support. Submission Portal: here.
For further details, see Dr. Lucas Griffin’s publications and academic contributions on Google Scholar.