PhD Scholarship for research on limnology of large lakes, New Zealand 

We invite applications for PhD research on land-water interactions in iconic, large New Zealand lakes.  New Zealand's oligotrophic large lakes have very high water clarity, deep seasonal thermoclines, deep-water plant communities, and are of great economic importance due to their aesthetic beauty and salmonid fisheries.  Funding has been obtained to determine the impacts of increasing land use intensification (pastoral farming, viticulture, water abstraction, etc.) on the ecological structure and functioning of these lakes.  This PhD project will quantify the potential impacts of this intensification on the light climate and nutrient loading to Lakes Wakatipu Wanaka and/or Wanaka (Otago) and examine the implications of these for their distinctive phytoplankton and aquatic plant communities. The project will be part of a larger research programme on large lakes, including collaborations with researchers from other research institutes.  This research is funded by the Otago Regional Council to potentially assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities to the people and environment of Otago.

The Scholarship, which is for study at the University of Otago, Dunedin, under the supervision of Professor Carolyn Burns and Dr Marc Schallenberg, is open to citizens of all countries. It will be funded for up to 3 years from an expected start date in late 2008. The student stipend is NZ$22,000 p.a. with additional funds to cover course fees, research expenses, and travel within South Island, New Zealand, for field work. Periods of field work at sites inland in New Zealand are anticipated. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong academic record, technical skills (in areas such as statistics, numerical modelling, information processing, water chemistry) and relevant research experience.  For further information, contact Carolyn Burns or Marc Schallenberg (addresses below).

Applications should be sent (preferably by e-mail) to Carolyn Burns or Marc Schallenberg, and include:

(i) a curriculum vitae,

(ii) copy of your academic record,

(iii) a short statement of research interests and experience,

(iv) the names and e-mail addresses of three referees who can provide confidential comments on your potential ability to carry out independent research.

Information on PhD study at the University of Otago is available at:           http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/application_process.html

 The successful applicant may be required to submit certified copies of official documents (academic record, birth certificate, proficiency in English) before being admitted to PhD study at the University of Otago.   Applications for this studentship close on 15 August 2008.

 Professor Carolyn W. Burns and Dr Marc Schallenberg

Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

Courier: 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054

Fax: 64 (0)3 479 7584                                         http://www.otago.ac.nz/Zoology/staff/