Student Research Assistant, Reef Fish Behavior, EDAP 2026

Description The goal of this project is to investigate how reef structure shapes animal behavioral interactions. With reef habitats threatened worldwide, understanding the relationship between the environment and behavior will provide insights into how animals may be affected, especially in important mutualistic relationships. This project focuses on the relationship between dusky damselfish and cleaner gobies to examine how habitat features shape interactions between cleaners and clients. Examples of Duties Designing, building, and maintaining the reef mesocosm experiment, including managing fish and cameras Routine fish husbandry tasks for dusky damselfish and cleaner gobies Data extraction from behavioral videos Data analysis Students can receive course credit as an internship through the Office of Career and Engagement. Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Successfully completed Bio 1 (Introduction to Biology, BSC 2010, or equivalent course) Preferred Qualifications Experience with conducting a research project Experience with experiments in animal behavior or coursework in animal behavior Experience with fish care All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring immigration sponsorship, including but not limited to non-immigrant visas, such as H1B, STEM, or F1, now and in the future. New College of Florida (NCF) is an equal opportunity employer and educational provider committed to a policy of non-discrimination for any member of the NCF community on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans' status, marital status, or any other legally protected group status. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, volunteers, visitors, applicants, and contractors in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, orders, and University policies, procedures, and processes.