Academic Year 2026-2027
Join the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) in helping inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards!
TESI is hiring a 12-month graduate assistant (GA) for the 2026-2027 academic year. The GA will receive a 12-month, half-time (0.5 FTE) stipend of $30,000, in-state tuition, as well as medical and other benefits afforded to UF graduate assistants. This position is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation under Co-PI Dr. Megan Ennes.
Duties:
The TESI Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) will support an NSF Funded grant focused on teaching about bagworms and their adaptations. The key outputs of this role include a research study on how K-12 teachers use insects in their classroom as well as the coordination of a new teacher professional development workshop in 2027. This role requires strong organization, communication, and research skills, as well as a passion for environmental topics.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advancing the Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) program by conducting a research study on how K-12 teachers use insects in their classroom
- Leading the development of new resources for K-12 teachers to use insects in their classrooms
- Providing recruitment, planning, and implementation support for SEFS teacher professional development workshop on insects and their adaptations in the Summer of 2027
- Providing planning and coordination support for SEFS livestream programming
Additional responsibilities may include:
- Promoting SEFS/TESI and educating about Earth systems-related topics at outreach events on campus and in the greater Gainesville community
- Contributing to TESI’s digital outreach efforts through web, email, and social media content creation
- Assisting with other TESI initiatives as needed
Required Qualifications:
- Graduate student (Master’s or Doctoral) at the University of Florida
- Strong interest in environmental and other science topics
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Proficient in using research tools such as Qualtrics and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS or R)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in education research
- Experience in education and outreach
- Previous experience working with K-12 students and/or teachers
Note: this position will require occasional evening and weekend work.
Location:
TESI Office Suite
McGuire Hall, Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd Gainesville, FL 32611
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application via Qualtrics by the Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm deadline. A complete application will include:
- A cover letter (no more than 2 pages)
- A CV
- Contact information for 2 professional references
- A support letter (no more than one page) from the applicant’s advisor in support of the student’s desire to participate and briefly describing why they are suitable for this opportunity. If you do not have an advisor, a letter from your UF department indicating support for your participation may be submitted instead.
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please send inquiries about this position to Dr. Megan Ennes at mennes@floridamuseum.ufl.edu.
This position is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Award 2426250).
