The Freshwater Ecology Research Group (FERG) at the University of Canterbury, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC), is offering four interconnected UC Connect PhD Scholarships focused on river restoration and aquatic ecosystem conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Research Projects & Aquatic Conservation Scope
Based in the Upper Rakitata catchment and braided river ecosystems, the four doctoral projects address critical freshwater conservation priorities:
- Project 1 (Invasive Aquatic Plants): Assessing ecological drivers and restoration opportunities for managing invasive macrophytes in high-country spring habitats.
- Project 2 (Threatened Freshwater Fish): Investigating persistence mechanisms and habitat requirements of the threatened upland longjaw galaxias in dynamic braided rivers.
- Project 3 (Spring Ecosystems): Evaluating the role of stable spring-fed refugia in supporting biodiversity and food web resilience across river networks.
- Project 4 (Braided River Birds): Modeling interactions between flow regimes, aquatic food resources, invasive predators, and breeding bird populations.
Scholarship Package & Contract Terms
- Host Institution: School of Biological Sciences / FERG, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Partner Body: Department of Conservation (DOC) Ngā Awa River Restoration Programme.
- Duration: 3 Years full-time doctoral scholarship.
- Financial Package: Annual living stipend (NZD $35,000/year tax-free) plus full tuition fee waiver and operational research costs.
Candidate Requirements
- Master’s degree or First-Class Honours (B.Sc. Hons) in Freshwater Ecology, Fisheries Biology, Zoology, Aquatic Science, or Conservation Biology.
- Fieldwork experience in river/stream environments, fish sampling, or spatial ecological analysis.
- Fluency in scientific English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the University of Canterbury scholarship portal. Applicants should provide a CV, cover letter specifying preferred project(s), academic transcripts, and contact details for two academic referees.