Auckland University of Technology 2022 PhD International Scholarship in Effects of Organic Enrichment in New Zealand: (Deadline 1 November 2022)

The Department of Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, seeks self-motivated and independently working applicants for a 3.5-year PhD position contributing to a Blue Economy CRC initiative that develops tools for the measurement of the depositional foot print of offshore aquaculture (Environment and Ecosystems Program: Project 4.20.004).

A fundamental assumption used to argue for the expansion of fish farms into offshore waters is that operating in deeper and more dynamic waters will increase the horizontal dispersion of organic farm wastes and so reduce the impacts on seafloor ecosystem functions. The social license for such expansion, however, will rely on our ability to quantify this advantage. It is anticipated that farm waste released in deep offshore waters will create a larger, more persistent but less intense footprint in the ecosystem than in shallow coastal waters. Depending on the properties of the receiving seafloor ecosystem, the deposition of fish waste may alter the structure and function of the benthic faunal communities, in particular, their influence on the sediment–seawater solute exchange—a process that couples benthic with pelagic ecosystem functions.   The PhD student will conduct a series of laboratory experiments to study the influence of the benthic invertebrate community on the sediment–seawater exchange of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus as a function of organic enrichment. You will have a university degree (Master/Diploma) in Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Aquatic Microbiology or related fields. We welcome experience in the taxonomic identification of benthic invertebrates and knowledge in sediment biogeochemistry. The ideal candidate features excellent communication skills, proficiency in scientific writing, and a high degree of independence. The successful candidate will join an international project team, led by Associate Professor Kay C. Vopel, including researchers from CSIRO, University of Tasmania, and Griffith University

About Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland University of Technology is a university in New Zealand, formed on 1 January 2000 when a former technical college was granted university status. AUT is New Zealand’s third largest university in terms of total student enrolment, with approximately 29,100 students enrolled across three campuses in Auckland

Auckland University of Technology PhD Scholarship

• Type PhD
• Organisation Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
• Country to study New Zealand
• School to study Auckland University of Technology
• Course to study Not specified
• State of Origin
• Gender Men and Women
• Application Deadline November 1, 2022

Aim and Benefits of Auckland University of Technology PhD Scholarship

Successful scholars will receive the annual stipend at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.

Requirements for Auckland University of Technology PhD Scholarship Qualification

Good communication skills in written and spoken English is essential. 2. The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm and have an outstanding academic record and be prepared to conduct the doctoral study at Auckland University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand. 3. Preference will be given to NZ Citizens, NZ Permanent Residents, or international students currently onshore in New Zealand. 4. Commitment to enrolment in a PhD programme at AUT. Applying for a scholarship and admission into AUT are separate processes at AUT. Applicants must fulfil all conditions for admission to the Doctoral Programme in AUT. These can be found on the AUT website https://www.aut.ac.nz/courses/doctor-of-philosophy. 5. Meet the requirements for the Doctoral programme. Requirements for entry include having completed the required academic qualifications for direct entry and meeting the requirements for English language proficiency. Minimum English language requirement for international applicants – IELTS scores of 6.5 overall with 7 in writing and all other bands 6.0 or higher. A high proficiency in English is essential.

Application Deadline

November 1, 2022

How to Apply

Applicants must apply by email to Associate Professor Kay C. Vopel (kay.vopel@aut.ac.nz) attaching: a) Curriculum vitae, including the contact details of two referees. b) Degree certificates and grades confirming that the applicant meets the entry requirements into the Doctor of Philosophy program. c) One scientific text in English written by the candidate (e.g., Master thesis, a paper currently in draft, or a publication in a scientific journal).
Regulations [PDF, 150.7 KB]