Employment

Employment Opportunities at Whitney Laboratory

Whitney Laboratory is a marine biomedical research center of the University of Florida. It is particularly well-equipped for cell and molecular biology and provides a highly interactive research and training environment.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The selection process will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida’s “Government in the Sunshine” and Public Records Laws.

Social Security Number Privacy: In compliance with a recent change in the Sunshine Law, Whitney Lab will only collect a social security number for employment purposes. For more information, please visit http://privacy.ufl.edu/SSNPrivacy.html.

Open Positions are posted on the 

University of Florida Careers Website


 

The Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Laboratory Internship

Applications are due by September 11, 2023

Internship Dates: October 6 - January 8

The internship at The Sea Turtle Hospital @ UF Whitney Lab is designed to be a career learning experience. Interns will gain first-hand experience in data collection, sanitation procedures, food preparation, and sea turtle husbandry and education.  Students interested in interning at the hospital should be working towards a degree in marine biology, veterinary medicine or a related field. Recent graduates seeking experience in these fields are also accepted.

Interns will work within all areas that make up the Sea Turtle Hospital, to gain in-depth knowledge of sea turtle husbandry, medical treatment, and education through a unique phase-training program. This allows the individual to become familiar with husbandry and medical procedures used at the hospital.  Interns assist our staff with husbandry and treatment of all sea turtle patients in residence.  Interns also help with lab procedures, sample processing, record keeping and leading public educational tours.

Interns will participate in professional development activities, such as staff meetings, in-house training, seminars, evaluations, and resume-building experiences.  Interns will be responsible for completion of an independent project and will present on it at the end of their internship.

Interns also participate in hospital activities, the development of educational and interactive displays, and community programs.  Interns will be exposed to all areas of the hospital and leave with a well-rounded knowledge of not only how the hospital operates on a daily basis, but also with an extensive knowledge of conserving our marine ecosystems.

Duties
  • Individual food preparation
  • Maintenance of animal enclosures (scrubbing, water changes, water/air monitoring, filter maintenance, water quality) under supervision.
  • Help maintain life support systems
  • Clean food-prep and other back-up areas
  • Assist in care for animals undergoing rehabilitation
  • Assist in rescue and salvage responses
  • Participate in post-mortem work and necropsies
  • Assist in weekly sea turtle physicals
  • Record-keeping
  • Complete an independent project
  • Assist and lead public behind-the-scene tours of the hospital (under supervision) weekly
Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in or graduated from college or university
  • Must be available to work from October 6 - January 8 (dates may slightly vary pending an individual’s school)
  • Interns should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Students that are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply
  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Interns should expect to work 40 hours per week which will include early morning and/or late night.
  • Must have good public speaking skills and able to lead public tours after properly train
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Must be able to work in the field during mid-summer months in Florida

If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship, they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted.

TO APPLY 

Send your resume, cover letter, and three letters of reference to cbeastman@whitney.ufl.edu or The Sea Turtle Hospital @ Whitney Lab, Attn: Catherine Eastman 9505 N. Oceanshore Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080.  Applications must be received by September 11, 2023 for the fall program.

Applicants will be notified through email if invited for the interview phase. Interviews are scheduled onsite or Skype per applicant’s request.

This is an unpaid internship. Housing and living expenses are not included. All interns are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and meals. One uniform shirt will be presented at the start of the internship program. Onsite housing is available for a discounted fee of $750 per month.


 

 

Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions

Moroz Laboratory - Nitric Oxide and Other Neurotransmitters in Lower Invertebrates

Leonid Moroz invites applications for postdoctoral positions to investigate behavioral, cellular and molecular aspects of nitric oxide-dependent signaling in simpler nervous systems using marine invertebrates as experimental models; (ii) to study the distribution and roles neurotransmitters in lower invertebrates as well as in homologous neuronal networks associated with feeding. A multidisciplinary approach will be used to perform single cell analysis of various neurotransmitters and related metabolites using capillary electrophoresis. Previous experience in molecular biology, cell culture, electrophysiology or capillary electrophoresis and related microseparation techniques is desirable but not a requirement. Please send your C.V., a statement of research interests, and the names and addresses of three references to:

Leonid Moroz, Ph.D.
The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida
9505 Ocean Shore Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080


Graduate Students

Biomechanics and Neurobiology of Fish Locomotion

Jimmy Liao is looking for creative, independent and motivated graduate students that are enthusiastic about using new technology and techniques to understand the mechanisms of animal behavior. He welcomes students from diverse backgrounds (neuroscience, physiology, ecology, engineering etc.) and believes that interest and aptitude can make up for a lack of training.

If you are interested please email:

  • C.V. or summary of your research interests and academic background
  • Copies of your transcripts (unofficial is fine)
  • One-page essay on why you want to pursue a Ph.D., how our interests might overlap, and your professional ideas and goals.

Please visit the Current Research Faculty pages for faculty that are accepting graduate students and the Graduate Programs page for more information.


Search Committee Meetings

Location: Zoom

Date: August 25, 2023

Time: 1 - 3 p.m.