[Aqualist] PhD Scholarship in Hydrogeology & Geophysics

[Tim Barrows]

From: David Nobes <david.nobes at canterbury.ac.nz>

PhD Scholarship
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury and
Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd.
Non-Invasive, Non-Destructive Mapping of Water Content Changes and
Contaminant Movement in an Alluvial Gravel Vadose Zone

As part of the Integrated Research for Aquifer Protection (IRAP) 
project, a PhD scholarship is being offered jointly supported by ESR 
Ltd and the Department of Geological Sciences (DoGS) at the 
University of Canterbury (UoC). The aims of the PhD project are to 
characterise the stratigraphy and variability of the subsurface, 
including identifying preferential flow paths, using near-surface 
geophysical methods, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), 
multi-electrode resistivity (MER) and possibly electromagnetic (EM) 
geophysical imaging, combined with and calibrated by borehole and 
sediment sampling information. Part of the characterisation requires 
an examination of spatial and temporal variations in water content 
across the site, and and whether that local characterisation can be 
more widely applied across the region. A significant associated 
aspect of the project is the examination of the constitutive 
relations used to relate subsurface physical properties, such as the 
porosity and water content, to the geophysical responses.
The successful candidate will have an Honours or MSc degree in 
Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering or Environmental 
Science, or a suitable alternative qualification. The candidate will 
have a solid background in geophysics and hydrogeology, and good 
quantitative and communication skills.
The scholarship is equivalent to a TIF (Technology for Industry 
Fellowhip), $22,000 per year plus $3,000 towards field and other 
research expenses.
Please send a letter of application, a CV, list of references and a 
transcript to:
Dr David C. Nobes, Department of Geological Sciences, University of 
Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8020, New Zealand
or electronically to: 
<mailto:david.nobes at canterbury.ac.nz>david.nobes at canterbury.ac.nz.
Additional information can be obtained from Dr David Nobes or Mr 
Murray Close, Principal Scientist, ESR Ltd. 
(<mailto:Murray.Close at esr.cri.nz>Murray.Close at esr.cri.nz).
Review of applications will begin on 3 October 2005.