Semilarvatus Butterflyfish pair in the Red Sea: breeding researcher needed. Image Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.

Word is spreading about a fantastic, arguably once-in-a-lifetime graduate opportunity for someone interested in marine fish breeding.  At least one Reef2Rainforest staff member is wishing he could go back to school right now!

University of Florida is seeking an energetic and motivated M.S. student to assist in a two-year SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Conservation Fund funded project investigating captive reproduction techniques of coral-reef fishes. The graduate student position is being offered through the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, FL and designed to advance and strengthen the goals of the Rising Tide Conservation Initiative. The student’s primary responsibility will be to develop a research project centered around reproduction and larval rearing of chaetodontids while working as an integral part of a research team.

A competitive Graduate Research Assistantship, and tuition waiver will be provided to the successful applicant on an annual basis during the two-year course of study. Candidates should have a B.S. degree in biology or marine biology, a strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent quantitative skills, the ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, as well as the ability to perform weekend, holiday, nights, and emergency work as required by experiments/ lab conditions. Aquaculture experience including familiarity with larval rearing, aquatic life support design and maintenance is preferred.

Research will be conducted at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, FL. Online classes are available in fulfillment of some of the degree requirements, however, travel to, and/or residence in Gainesville will be required as coursework is determined.

Graduate admission is determined by the University of Florida Office of Admissions and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Applicants must apply online by November 22, 2012 for spring 2013 admission. Appointment will begin January 1st, 2013.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NOVEMBER 22 FOR SPRING 2013 ADMISSION.

Apply online at www.admissions.ufl.edu

Visit www.sfrc.ufl.edu for additional information about the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences major

Questions about your on-line application may be directed to chight (at) ufl.edu

A reminder from Reef2Rainforest.com -> You have until November 22nd, 2012,  to apply for this fantastic opportunity. Please download a copy of the official release with more details.