PhD Position: Mapping Ocean Temperature Evolution in New Zealand Shelf Seas Using Underwater Gliders
Join a funded PhD project to advance ocean warming research with cutting-edge glider technology in New Zealand’s shelf seas.
Best for:Best for environmental scientists with a strong background in physical oceanography, climate science, or atmospheric science, and hands-on experience with observational data and Python/MATLAB programming.
Overview
This PhD position is part of the *Te Moana Mahana* research programme, a collaborative initiative between Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) and the University of Auckland’s Department of Physics. The successful candidate will investigate ocean temperature changes in New Zealand’s shelf seas, with a focus on innovative observational methods using underwater gliders. The project combines fieldwork, data analysis, and modeling, offering access to advanced oceanographic equipment, supercomputing resources, and partnerships with government, Māori, industry, and international researchers. The PhD is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition and stipend, and will be based in Wellington with opportunities for collaboration at the University of Auckland.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement innovative observational approaches using underwater gliders to map ocean temperature changes in New Zealand’s shelf seas.
- Conduct data analysis and modeling to understand the evolution of ocean temperatures and their implications for climate dynamics.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including oceanographers, climate scientists, and AI researchers to integrate observational, modeling, and computational methods.
- Engage with government, Māori, industry, and international partners to foster knowledge exchange and project impact.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
- Participate in the University of Auckland/Earth Sciences NZ Joint Graduate School in Coastal and Marine Science.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc or First-class Honours (or equivalent) in physical oceanography, climate science, atmospheric science, or a related environmental science field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and collaboration.
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated interest and expertise in climate/ocean dynamics and predictability.
- Strong aptitude for working with observational data, particularly in oceanographic contexts.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for quantitative data analysis.
- Experience or willingness to develop skills in operating oceanographic instruments, including underwater gliders.
- Excellent communication and writing skills for academic and public audiences.
- No specific nationality restrictions mentioned; open to international applicants.
- No residency requirements specified.
- No age limits mentioned.
- No prior experience caps beyond the required degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Interested applicants should send their CV, academic transcripts, and a brief research statement outlining their interest and qualifications to the supervisors via email. Additional documents may be requested based on the application review process.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (MSc/First-class Honours or equivalent)
- Research statement
Contact
Craig Stevens· Supervisor
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