PhD position – Using stable isotopes to track Aotearoa New Zealand eels across the Pacific Ocean
University of Otago
Applications are invited for a PhD student to work on a Marsden-funded project.
Project Background:
The spawning sites and larval dispersal routes of Aotearoa NZ’s longfin and shortfin eels remain unclear, making the life cycles of these eels one of the great unsolved mysteries among migratory species. To resolve this mystery, our team has proposed to use a combination of cutting-edge techniques based on biochemical and molecular markers. As one of two PhD students to join our team, you will carry out all the stable isotope aspects of this project. This will involve 1) method development for eye lenses and vertebrae stable isotope analyses, 2) collection of particulate organic matter and zooplankton samples during a research cruise to the Southwest Pacific Ocean, and 3) generation of isoscapes and animal assignment models.
The ideal candidate will have:
• An interest in multidisciplinary marine research and an appropriate undergraduate degree (environmental science, marine biology or any other relevant discipline).
• Experience in stable isotope.
• Knowledge of R (indispensable).
• Experience of processing large datasets.
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• You will be able to work as a member of a large multi-disciplinary team but will also be able to work independently (having received instruction) for periods of time.
Our team is based across NZ (Nelson and Dunedin) and in the US (San Diego). You will be based at the University of Otago, Dunedin, but there will be opportunities to work in all locations during the PhD.
This position comes with a 3-year PhD stipend of NZ$35,000/year and additional fees covering university registration.
Please send a letter of application outlining your suitability for the research project, a copy of your academic transcript and your CV, as well as the contact details of two academic referees to amandine.sabadel@otago.ac.nz.
Applications close on 31 December 2022, for an ideal start date of 1 March 2023.
Link:
None
PhD opportunity - effects of organic enrichment from open ocean aquaculture epifauna
Cawthron Institute
Cawthron Institute, in collaboration with the University of Tasmania, University of Auckland and University of Waikato has an exciting opportunity for a PhD student to research the effects of organic enrichment on epifauna at open ocean aquaculture sites. The research is part of a larger research project to develop tools for the sustainable development of open ocean aquaculture.
The successful applicant will be based at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, but may be able to spend time at some of the university campuses at some stages of the project.
Link:
https://cawthron.elmotalent.co.nz/careers/careers/job/view/51
PhD positions (x2) in microbial cooperation, physiology and toxic cyanobacterial evolution
University of Auckland and Cawthron Institute
Project
The evolution of simplicity is a recent concept in microbial ecology. The Black Queen Hypothesis (BQH) describes the loss of vital (but metabolically costly) genes if their products can be obtained from neighbouring ‘leaky’ organisms. The biofilm-forming cyanobacterial genus Microcoleus provides a unique opportunity to explore the BQH, as the genus comprises both toxin-producing and atoxic strains. Toxic strains have smaller genomes than their atoxic counterparts, and unlike atoxic strains, genomic evidence indicates toxic strains are thiamine auxotrophs, lacking the ability to synthesize this essential metabolite. This project will test the hypothesis that toxic strains are obligate dependents that rely on metabolic ‘public goods’ from atoxic ‘helpers’ due to their reduced genomes, and that they use toxins to promote metabolite leakiness. Culture-based experiments will test for dependent growth of toxic strains on atoxic ones, and the effect of toxins on atoxic cells. Fluorescence-based microscopy will examine the predicted close physical association of atoxic and toxic cells within biofilm structures.
Each PhD project will be fully supported by a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden grant, which will provide research costs, tuition fees & a tax-free stipend of $35K (NZD) per year over the course of the 3-year programme.
The ideal candidate will have:
- completed a degree with a significant research component (e.g. Masters or BSc Honours), with an excellent academic record,
- a background in microbiology, and experience in at least one of the following areas:
- microbial cultivation,
- computational biology, and/or
- genomics
Programming or microscopy skills would be an advantage
Applicants should email their CV, academic transcripts, a cover letter, and the contact details for at least two referees to Dr Kim Handley kim.handley@auckland.ac.nz, or Laura Kelly Laura.Kelly@cawthron.org.nz.
Deadline
Students should be able to start by March-June 2023.
Lead aquatic conservation tutor. Full time. Permanent.
NMIT (Te Pukenga)
Based in Nelson, our Aquaculture and Marine Conservation team delivers a variety of programmes to students spanning from level 3 up to level 9. We have an experienced, vibrant, close-knit team who are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on lead tutor to join us.
This varied and exciting role will involve the opportunity to shape the future of the marine conservation side of our programme. It is forward facing teaching role with a strong research element imbedded through the courses. The role will help develop our newly revamped degree programme and support research on our new master’s programme. We work closely with many industry partners (DOC, Nelson regional council, NIWA, Cawthron etc) to ensure our teaching is relevant and up to date and our students are well informed and connected.
The role will be supported by our technician, senior technician, and expert tutors to aid students with their learning journeys.
This role offers an opportunity to share your enthusiasm with others. If you are passionate about our marine and aquatic environments and their conservation this could be the job for you. To be successful in this role you will need:
• A PhD in a relevant field.
• Teaching experience is advantageous, but not essential as support will be given
• Experience in field and conservation work
• A passion for research
• To be great communicator and have a strong drive to share knowledge and experience.
• Great health and safety awareness and be driven to improve and change systems where necessary.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Good computer skills (excel, word, outlook etc)
Link:
www.jobs.nmit.ac.nz
Aquatic conservation/ aquaculture tutor. 0.5 FTE. Fixed term.
NMIT (Te Pukenga)
Based in Nelson, our Aquaculture and Marine Conservation team delivers a variety of programmes to students spanning from level 3 up to level 9. We have an experienced, vibrant, close-knit team who are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on tutor to join us.
This varied and exciting teaching role is all about sharing your passion for our aquatic environments with others. It covers areas of aquatic ecology, fisheries and aquaculture and requires someone who is passionate about project work. There is a research element to the role which involves supporting and guiding students through their projects. We work closely with many industry partners (DOC, Nelson regional council, NIWA, Cawthron etc) to ensure our teaching is relevant and up to date and our students are well informed and connected.
The role will be supported by our technician, senior technician, and expert tutors to aid students with their learning journeys.
This role offers an opportunity to share your enthusiasm with others. If you are passionate about our marine and aquatic environments and interested in aquaculture this could be the job for you. To be successful in this role you will need:
• Experience in aquaculture and aquatic ecology
• MSc or a PhD in a related field.
• Teaching experience is advantageous, but not essential as support will be given.
• Basic understanding of aquaculture.
• Experience with a range of field work methods.
• A passion for research.
• To be great communicator and have a strong drive to share knowledge and experience.
• Great health and safety awareness and be driven to improve and change systems where necessary.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Good computer skills (excel, word, outlook etc).
Link:
www.jobs.nmit.ac.nz
Aquaculture tutor. 0.8 FTE. Fixed term.
NMIT (Te Pukenga)
Based in Nelson, our Aquaculture and Marine Conservation team delivers a variety of programmes to students spanning from level 3 up to level 9. We have an experienced, vibrant, close-knit team who is looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on tutor to join us.
This varied and exciting role will involve lots of practical work as well as online work with a range of students at different levels. It is forward facing role with a varied teaching plan. The focus will be on connecting closely with industry as well as running basic aquaculture husbandry practical sessions. It’s a supportive role to current courses and will involve online support work for other tutors.
The role will be supported by our technician, senior technician, and expert tutors to aid students with their learning journeys.
This role offers an opportunity to share your passion with others. If you enjoy working in a close supportive team to help deliver results - this could be for you. To be successful in this role you will need:
• Aquaculture experience
• MSc or similar in a relevant field.
• To be a very practical, hands-on hard worker.
• To be passionate communicator and have a strong drive to share knowledge and experience.
• To be enthusiastic about problem solving and connecting with people face to face but also online.
• Great health and safety awareness and be driven to improve and change systems where necessary.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Good computer skills (excel, word, outlook etc)
Link:
www.jobs.nmit.ac.nz
