Research Opportunities

Scientists at all levels of their career are eligible to apply for the Vester Field Station Visiting Scientist Program, e.g., graduate students, post docs and faculty. Undergraduate students are encouraged to visit FGCU’s Internship Award Program. Applicants should have an interest in the areas of marine and/or environmental science; however, those interested in biotechnology, engineering, and other technically-related fields are also invited to apply. We also strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences.

Only individuals possessing strong academic credentials and a high degree of motivation will be selected. In order to be considered, individuals must meet all of the following qualifications at the time that they apply:

• Graduate students must be attending an accredited college or university; must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and be in good standing with their graduate degree program.
• Postgraduate applicants still pursuing their degree must be on track to complete their degree prior to the starting date.
• Faculty applicants must be full-time, permanent faculty members at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Applications for the Visiting Scientist Awards are due February 1 each year, and the awards will be made by March 31.  Applications to take advantage of specific events, however, can be made at other times. If you have any questions about the Visiting Scientist Program, please contact Dr. Michael Parsons or Farida Sheikh for further information.

Required Supplemental Documents

• Prepare Summary Research Proposal: Please provide a 2-page (maximum) research summary. The summary must include and address the following categories as subheadings in the text:
• Introduction: current area of research and what new work you would initiate while on site,
• Previous or potential collaborations with FGCU researchers,
• Experimental Plan: Describe the research experiments in non-technical detail and specific field and equipment access you would require.
• References should be provided and are not included in the 2-page text limit.
• Please also provide a CV (3 pg max) or short form biosketch.
• Letter of Collaboration/Support

Proposals for field-based studies, mesocosm or bench-scale laboratory studies that can be supported by existing infrastructure will be considered. Investigators who propose collaborative research or research that has synergy with existing research and training programs will be favored. Information on the field station and the surrounding environs, and faculty associated with FGCU’s Marine Science and Environmental Science Program can be found elsewhere on this website.

Proposals can be for a single visit or for a multi-year project, and for a single investigator or for a team of collaborators. These elements should be clearly identified and described in the proposal. Resources for a multi-year proposal will require an annual application and is not guaranteed.