Join the Longo Lab

The Longo Lab is seeking a motivated M.S. student in Zoology to join our research group in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida. Research in the lab focuses on understanding ecological and evolutionary processes through the study of host–pathogen interactions, microbiomes, and genomics, with a special emphasis on amphibians, reptiles, and their parasites. We use quantitative, experimental, computational, and genomic approaches to address questions at the interface of ecology and evolution.

The current M.S. opportunity is primarily centered on computational research using datasets that have already been collected in the lab or are publicly available. I do not anticipate fieldwork or new laboratory data collection during the M.S. program, unless suitable samples and materials are already available within the lab. Field and laboratory research are resource-intensive, and while I am actively pursuing external funding, students should expect their projects to focus primarily on data analysis, bioinformatics, genomics, microbiome research, and other quantitative approaches.

Potential Research areas include:

• Host-pathogen and host-parasite dynamics
• Population and evolutionary genomics related to conservation of threatened species
• Microbiome ecology and evolution
• Ecological and evolutionary consequences of tick parasitism in direct-developing frogs
• Comparative analyses using genomic and ecological data resources

Because these projects build on existing datasets, students can begin research immediately and focus on data analysis, hypothesis development, scientific writing, and professional development.

Desired Qualifications

Competitive applicants should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics or a related field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in R and/or Python
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work independently

Experience with genomics, microbiome analyses, bioinformatics, statistics, reproducible workflows, or large biological datasets is highly desirable.

Funding and Program Expectations

Students will enroll in the M.S. program in Zoology in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida. I expect that the M.S. student will complete their degree within two years, including coursework, thesis, and at least 1 peer-reviewed publication submitted before graduation.

Students will be supported through a Teaching Assistantship (TAship) during those two years and will assist with undergraduate biology courses. TAships are provided on a 9-month appointment basis, and summer funding is not guaranteed (https://biology.ufl.edu/graduate-programs/). Tuition and health insurance are covered (see Financial Support).

Students who secure external fellowship funding, or for whom research funding becomes available within the lab, may instead be supported through a Research Assistantship (RA). Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for internal/external fellowships whenever possible.

How to Start the Conversation

Interested students should email:

Dr. Ana V. Longo
ana.longo@ufl.edu

Please include:

1. A one-page, single-spaced statement describing:
   • Your research interests
   • Why you are interested in joining the Longo Lab
   • How your background, skills, and interests fit the lab’s research program
   • Your long-term career goals
2. A current CV

Please Read Carefully

The statement is an especially important component of your inquiry. Because the admissions process is competitive, I use this statement to pre-screen prospective applicants and determine whether there is a strong match between an applicant’s interests and the research opportunities available in the lab. This statement will play a major role in determining whether we schedule an initial Zoom meeting.

Strong statements clearly explain:

• Why you are interested in the lab’s research areas
• Relevant coursework, research experiences, and quantitative skills
• Your experience with R, Python, statistics, genomics, bioinformatics, microbiome research, or related computational approaches
• How an M.S. degree and the proposed research align with your future career goals

Important Information About Admissions

I will not consider pre-application inquiries received after November 2, 2026. Prospective students are therefore encouraged to contact me well in advance of the departmental application deadline (12/01/2026). My goal in communicating with prospective applicants before they apply is to identify students whose interests, skills, and career goals align well with the research opportunities available in the lab. This process also helps ensure that applicants can make an informed decision before incurring the University of Florida Graduate School application fee of $30.

Selected students must submit a formal application to the UF Department of Biology Graduate Program by December 1, 2026. Admissions decisions and teaching assistantship offers are made through the departmental admissions process, and available TA positions are limited. As a result, admission to the program is competitive.