A fully funded PhD studentship is available for freshwater ecology research at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. The scholarship is part of an ongoing project by UC’s Freshwater Ecology Research Group to investigate the effectiveness of riparian management and rehabilitation in agricultural streams. This project is funded by the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and the current phase will focus on developing and trialling a number of potential rehabilitation methods.
We are looking for a high calibre student who can undertake innovative research that will both improve understanding of fundamental issues and enhance current management. The student will work with a highly successful team of researchers consisting of two academics, a Post-doctoral Fellow, two technicians and a number of PhD and MSc students. In addition, there is opportunity for the student to develop their own research ideas as long as they fit within the overall focus of the research group. We would especially like to hear from students who wish to work on either; (a) the response of fish and invertebrate communities to in-stream habitat manipulations (e.g., channel morphology improvements, habitat remediation and sediment removal), or (b) the mechanisms and consequences of macrophyte control in small waterways, including experimentation on the effects of shading and drain clearance. Applicants need to have the potential to carry out insightful research, as well as the initiative and personality to communicate the results to a wide variety of groups, including scientists, landowners and general public. They must be able to work within a team and can expect high quality mentoring and support from the group. The successful applicant will have a strong academic record, appropriate practical and technical experience, and will have demonstrated a high level of ability in written and oral communication. The scholarship is for study at the University of Canterbury within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group in association with Professor Angus McIntosh and Associate Professor Jon Harding, and is available now. The scholarship consists of a NZ $25,000 per annum student stipend (i.e., tax free living allowance) and funding to cover course fees and research expenses for three years. Applications should be sent via e-mail to Nicki Judson ( [email protected]), administrative assistant in the School of Biological Sciences, by *31st July 2013*, and should include: (i) a full curriculum vitae (including phone contact details), (ii) a copy of your academic record, (iii) a one page statement of your research interests and aspirations, (iv) the names and contact details of three referees who are willing to provide confidential comments on your capacity to undertake a PhD, and (v) an indication of your desired start date. The successful applicant may be required to submit copies of official documents, before being admitted to the PhD program at the University of Canterbury. Questions of an academic nature can be addressed to either Professor Angus McIntosh ([email protected]) or Associate Professor Jon Harding ([email protected]). For information on PhD study at the University of Canterbury, including entry requirements, see: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgrad/phd_students/ For information on the School of Biological Sciences see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ For information on the Freshwater Ecology Research Group see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ferg/index.shtml For information on the Mackenzie Riparian Management project see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ferg/research.shtml
