The University of Auckland and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), New Zealand are seeking applicants for a fully-funded PhD project on numerical modelling of estuarine morphodynamics.
Project Details
The project is funded as part of NIWA’s Managing Mud Programme (MMP), which is focused on the sources, characteristics, dynamics, and fate of fine sediment in NZ’s rivers and estuaries. The PhD project will be undertaken as part of the Estuary Evolution task of MMP, which aims to enhance our capability to predict the long-term evolution of fine-sediment impacted estuaries at the decadal scale and beyond. The project will consider the morphodynamic evolution of both unvegetated and vegetated tidal-flats and the influence of sediment supply and rising sea level. The project will involve a detailed case study for which measurements are available and new measurements will be collected.
The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Giovanni Coco (UoA) in collaboration with other members of the team: Dr I. MacDonald and Dr A. Swales (NIWA), Associate Professor Andrea D’Alpaos (University of Padua, Italy). The student will be expected to interact with other members of the wider team (including overseas collaborators) and contribute to programme workshops.
Benefits
There will be opportunities for the candidate to submit and present their research at local and international conferences.
Requirements
Applicants must have a research first-class Honours degree and/or a Masters degree in coastal engineering, oceanography, earth or environmental science or similar with an equivalent A- or higher. The successful candidate will have evidence that they are proficient in written and spoken English. Ideally, candidates will have experience with numerical modelling.
Award
The three year PhD scholarship includes full waiver of PhD course fees, tax-free annual stipend matching the University of Auckland scholarships and research costs.
Location
The student will be based in Auckland living near some of world’s most beautiful landscapes.
Application Procedure
To apply, please email Associate Prof Giovanni Coco with a full C.V. (including the contact details of at least one academic referee), English language proficiency documentation if needed and accompanying letter of application. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and discussion may begin immediately. We will begin reviewing applications on 1 April 2018. We need a confirmed applicant by May 1st 2018.
Start date
The successful candidate should be available to start on or before, 1st September, 2018.
More information
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
