Student Opportunities

PhD Position at the University of Florida 

Dr. Zachary Brym (SEEDS Alum) is seeking a candidate for a PhD position at the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center: The Brym Lab at the University of Florida (UF) is recruiting a PhD-level Graduate Assistant for a project to evaluate aflatoxin risk in field and processing stages of the peanut supply chain. The student will be expected to establish an agroecosystems assessment of the environmental, ecological, and management factors contributing to aflatoxin contamination. The student will work at the field level to determine how weather, field characteristics, and management strategies affect aflatoxin risk. Work at the food system level will synthesize information from the field investigation and novel sensing technologies to evaluate aflatoxin risk factors and interventions during peanut harvest and storage. This is a data and computationally intensive program. The position is supported by industry grants and sponsorship, including the National Peanut Board and Premium Peanut.

The student will work closely with Zack Brym and the Agroecology Lab at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead. Travel to field sites in Gainesville, Georgia, and Mississippi will be planned when possible, in a safe and responsible manner. The student will also be expected to closely interact with project collaborators from the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, UF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Premium Peanut. From among the collaborators, the student may choose a co-advisor to complement their work in agroecology with expertise in peanut crop physiology (Diane Rowland, Barry Tillman) and machine learning (Alina Zare).

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in ecology, statistics, mathematics, plant science, or related field is preferred. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong research, leadership, and communication skills and will show experience in computer programming and modeling, experimental design and analysis of cropping systems, research project development, presentation at professional meetings, and publication of scholarly articles. Demonstrated interest in the specific topics of investigation (e.g., modeling of biological systems, assessment of cropping systems) is desired. All interested candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply and articulate their interest and potential. The previous statement is made in all seriousness through a commitment to maintain a diverse representation of skills, backgrounds, and cultures in the TREC Agroecology Lab

Assistantship Details

Annual stipend $30,000 for FTE .50; Tuition waiver for full-time enrollment; Gator Grad Care health insurance; Continuation for a total of four years expected with fundraising efforts required; Flexibility to customize academic electives within the Agronomy major and concentration option in Agroecology Declaration of Interest: Prior to formal application to UF Grad School, candidates should email Dr. Brym at brymz@nullufl.edu with the following application materials attached to the communication:

• One-page statement of interest – describe your interest in and preparation for the program
• CV/Resume
• Coding/Writing sample – course or publication document showing analytical and writing skills
• Transcript copies of all previously attended colleges
• Name, Affiliation, Relationship, and Email addresses of three recommenders How to Apply:

Candidates selected for interviews with notification from Dr. Brym must formally apply to UF, Agronomy major, for Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 admission at www.admissions.ufl.edu including the application materials prepared for the declaration of interest and a $30 non-refundable application fee. Self-calculate bachelor’s upper-division GPA as the UF application guides. International students must also provide TOEFL scores or equivalent. Dr. Brym will be notified once the packet submission is complete to proceed with the formal screening and interview process. For questions about the application process and to declare application submission, contact Romain Gloaguen at romain.gloaguen@nullufl.edu