The University of Florida (UF) is offering a fully funded, four-year PhD research fellowship in ornamental aquaculture. This is an exceptional opportunity for graduate students who wish to conduct advanced research and support Florida’s highly valuable freshwater and marine ornamental fish industries.
Research Focus and Industry Context
Florida is the leading producer of ornamental aquatic species in the United States, with an estimated farm-gate value of $172 million in 2021. However, the sector faces several modern challenges, including global competition, fluctuating market demand, and evolving regulatory environments. To address these issues, the selected doctoral student will work on innovative research focused on captive reproduction, larval culture, and scaling up production technologies for economically important ornamental species.
Research Venue: The UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL)
The fellowship will be based at the prestigious University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL) located in Ruskin, Florida. TAL is a world-class facility equipped with extensive research infrastructure, including:
- Five experimental greenhouses
- Fifty earthen ponds
- A state-of-the-art climate-controlled hatchery
- A dedicated aquatic disease diagnostic lab
The PhD student will pursue their degree through the Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences within the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at UF.
Required and Desired Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A Master of Science (M.S.) degree in aquaculture, marine biology, or a closely related biological field.
- Proven research experience and a track record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with molecular techniques and biochemical assays.
- A strong background in aquatic animal husbandry, particularly with ornamental fish.
Funding and Benefits
The fellowship provides a comprehensive support package, which includes:
- An annual stipend for living expenses
- Full tuition remission
- GatorGradCare health insurance coverage
All funding is subject to standard fellowship terms and covers the full four years of the doctoral program.
Application Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit their application materials as a single PDF or Word document to both Dr. Matthew DiMaggio (mdimaggi@ufl.edu) and Dr. Casey Murray (casey.murray@ufl.edu).
Application Deadline: January 4, 2026.
Required Materials:
- A cover letter detailing your research interest, qualifications, and long-term career goals.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Unofficial academic transcripts.
- Contact details for three professional references.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal application to the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department by January 31, 2026. For more information about the laboratory, please visit the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this PhD fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the selected fellow will receive an annual stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for the four-year program duration.
Do I need previous experience in ornamental aquaculture?
While not strictly required, a strong background in fish husbandry or aquatic research is highly desirable.
Where will the research be conducted?
The researcher will be based at the UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, Florida, which provides excellent hands-on facilities and extension connections.