Marine ecology, biosecurity and network modelling

2 x PhD positions @ Cawthron Institute (NZ), in collaboration with Deakin and Macquarie universities

Cawthron Institute, in collaboration with Deakin and Macquarie universities (Australia), is seeking two PhD candidates to augment a new, 5-year research programme that will develop improved tools for the prevention, detection and management of marine pest incursions.

Descriptions and contact details for the PhD positions are listed below:

Green engineering and substrate enhancement: This PhD project will be part of a broader workstream that aims to develop artificial substrates for enhancing native species communities on coastal infrastructure. It will develop a more holistic understanding of the structural and chemical habitat requirements of native intertidal-shallow subtidal species (such as green-lipped mussels) and replicate these using state-of-the-art imaging and printing technology to enhance native biota on marine infrastructure, increase invasion resistance and other ecosystem services. The candidate will then put their newly designed surfaces to the test in real-world situations. This PhD project will require field-sampling, experimental work in the laboratory and field, microscopy, structural design, statistical analyses and data interpretation. In-depth collaboration with chemists, additive manufacturers and engineers will be a key component to this research. This fully funded position will be hosted by Cawthron Institute, with enrolment through Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia). For more information on this opportunity please contact Dr Paul South (paul.south@cawthron.org.nz). Please attach a CV, names of three referees, and academic transcripts to expressions of interest. Information about entry requirements at Macquarie University can be found here.

Development of a domestic maritime network model: Movements of vessels, aquaculture stock and equipment and other maritime infrastructure are principal pathways for the spread of non-indigenous marine species. Every day, hundreds of recreational, merchant, passenger, fishing and aquaculture vessels transit between New Zealand’s ports, marinas, urban coastal centres, aquaculture farms, marine reserves and iconic natural and culturally significant coastal areas, creating a complex maritime transport network. Understanding the dynamics of this network and its ability to facilitate the spread of non-indigenous species in space and time will enable regulators and industry to implement meaningful approaches to prevention and management of biosecurity risks. This PhD project will assist with the development of a maritime network model for New Zealand, and the use of this model for simulating incursion and response scenarios to facilitate the development of optimised risk mitigation strategies. Enrolment for this fully funded position will be through Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia, at Waurn Ponds campus) but the successful candidate will spend part of his/her time at Cawthron Institute. For more information on this opportunity please contact Dr Eric Treml (e.treml@deakin.edu.au). Please attach a CV, names of three referees, and academic transcripts to expressions of interest.

More details and a link to apply available HERE.

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