New Opportunity for Aspiring Scientists at UF: TESI Announces Graduate Assistantship
The University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) is seeking passionate graduate students to join their efforts in environmental education. The institute is offering a 12-month graduate assistantship for the 2026-2027 academic year, designed to nurture future leaders in the field of Earth systems science.
This assistantship, funded by the Smallwood Foundation and TESI, provides a half-time stipend of $30,000, in-state tuition, and comprehensive benefits offered to UF graduate assistants. This is a time-limited fellowship lasting for one year.
Responsibilities
The selected graduate assistant will play a crucial role in supporting TESI’s mission by contributing to its Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) and Environmental Leaders (EL) programs. This position demands organizational acuity, communication expertise, and a dedication to environmental issues.
- Recruiting new school districts and teachers, particularly in underserved areas like Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty, and Franklin counties.
- Coordinating scientist visits to classrooms.
- Providing technical support for scientist livestreams and managing event calendars in WordPress.
- Assisting in organizing professional development workshops for teachers.
- Conducting outreach visits to K-12 students and schools.
- Promoting SEFS through social media and blog content.
- Creating and curating content for the SEFS Spotlight newsletter.
- Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards for SEFS materials.
Additional Tasks
- Promoting TESI programs at outreach events within the Gainesville community.
- Supporting the Environmental Leaders programs and other TESI initiatives as required.
Required Qualifications
- Enrollment as a graduate student (Master’s or Doctoral) at the University of Florida.
- Strong interest in environmental sciences.
- Proficiency in organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency with social media and email marketing platforms.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Comfortable with being on-camera for digital media promotions.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with K-12 students or teachers.
- Background in event planning or community organizing.
- Experience in educational outreach.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application via Qualtrics by July 26, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Required application materials include a cover letter, contact information for two professional references, and a support letter from the applicant’s advisor or department.
Location
TESI Office Suite, McGuire Hall, Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
For inquiries, contact Sadie Mills at smills@floridamuseum.ufl.edu.
This position is funded by a grant from the Smallwood Foundation.
Feature image courtesy of FloridaMuseum/Kristen Grace
Original Story at www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu