- Agency
- University of Florida
- Location
- Ruskin, Florida
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- Annual stipend, tuition remission
- Start Date
- 05/15/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 01/31/2023
- Website
- https://tal.ifas.ufl.edu
- Description
- We are currently seeking applicants for a two-year, MS research assistantship investigating Artemia replacement methods for freshwater and marine ornamental fish species in Florida. Description: Production of ornamental fish is reliant on live feeds such as Artemia, due to their ability to elicit a feeding response and high digestibility. However, reliance on wild-sourced Artemia and their inconsistent availability have created severe volatility in prices. Microparticulate diets (MDs) have gained popularity as alternatives to reduce or eliminate the use of Artemia due to their particular size range, consistent availability, and excellent nutritional profiles. Larval malnutrition may still be a concern due to issues with palatability and a reduced incidence of ingestion. The addition of feed modifiers to larval diets has been shown to increase feeding incidence, specific growth rate, and survival. Alternative MDs, such as liquid larval diets, may also be viable live feed replacements due to their formulation mimicking the texture, palatability, and nutritional value of Artemia nauplii. The graduate student will investigate effects of feed attractants and commercially available liquid larval diets on the growth, survival, and larval quality in freshwater ornamental fishes. Results from this study will be directly disseminated to ornamental fish producers in the Southeastern US in addition to publication of peer-reviewed and extension articles. Location: This position will be located at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (http://tal.ifas.ufl.edu), a fully equipped research and extension center located in Ruskin, Florida. The facility includes 5 greenhouses, 50 earthen ponds, a climate-controlled hatchery, and a full-service disease diagnostic laboratory. The degree will be awarded through the Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences (https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu).
- Qualifications
- Qualifications: • B.S. degree in biology, zoology, marine sciences, aquaculture or related discipline • Demonstrated research experience and familiarity with marine aquaculture is highly desirable • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Application: Interested applicants should submit the following documents as a single pdf or word file via email to Dr. Matthew DiMaggio, (mdimaggi@ufl.edu) by the January 31, 2023 deadline. • Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications and experience, as well as research and career aspirations • Curriculum Vitae • Unofficial academic transcripts • Names and contact information for three professional references Final candidates will be contacted and required to submit formal applications to the University of Florida graduate school.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Matthew DiMaggio
- Contact eMail
- mdimaggi@ufl.edu
