International PhD Fellowships at Massey University

This research is part of a wider project entitled “Unlocking centuries’ worth of surface UV-B radiation hidden in pollen”, funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi Marsden Fund.

Both positions will be based in New Zealand, at Massey University’s Palmerston North campus, in the School of Agriculture and Environment. Depending on the conditions imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, candidates may be required to spend an extended period of time at the University of Nottingham (Sutton-Bonington campus) in the United Kingdom.

These positions are open to all domestic applicants and international applicants currently based in New Zealand as well as those international applicants currently based overseas. All international applicants currently based overseas should be aware that the New Zealand Government has placed restrictions on the borders, which may impact on their application.

Candidates should have a BSc (Hons) or MSc degree equivalent Grade Point Average of 7.5 or higher, ideally in some area of Earth science, physical geography, environmental science or related fields, and be proficient in written and spoken English. Ideally, candidates would have experience with pollen analysis. However, we would also consider those who have experience with one or more of the use of:

• lake sediment records to investigate Holocene/Late Quaternary climate change,

• spectroscopy (particularly FT-IR),

• and/or UV radiation and related atmospheric processes.

Ideally, candidates should also have experience in the handling of large datasets within R or similar packages.

All who are interested in this PhD opportunity should also ensure they meet Massey University’s generic PhD eligibility criteria (including IELTS requirements) before applying.

Scholarship funding is in the form of a 3-year scholarship with a minimum stipend of $27,500 NZD (tax-free) per year and payment of student fees. In addition, research-related expenses and research equipment will be supported

Please include the following with your application:

• a full C.V. (with the contact details of three referees)
• a copy of any relevant academic transcripts (i.e. list of completed courses with grades)
• an accompanying letter of application detailing how your experience, background and qualification are suited to this position