[Aqualist] Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Auckland, NZ (Martin Brook)

[Paul Augustinus]

Please post this PhD opportunity on AQUA List:


Dear all

We would be grateful if any suitable candidates could be alerted to the following funded PhD opportunity:


Funded PhD in Geo/Soil/Environmental chemistry at the University of Auckland (3 years)

Applications are invited to do a PhD on erionite weathering and transport in soil to be based at the School of
Environment, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. The successful applicant will contribute the new MBIE
Endeavour project, "Assessing and managing the risk of carcinogenic erionite in New Zealand". This position
is a great opportunity to be part of a large interdisciplinary consortium based in New Zealand and overseas,
and to carry out research on a topic that has been poorly explored up to now. The key focus of the PhD
candidate will be to determine the fate of erionite in soil profile and overlying bedrock (e.g. weathering,
transport processes). Contributions to related activities are also expected (e.g. mapping, development of
diagnostic tool and risk assessment). Results will be disseminated through a range of channels and will have
impact in the international scientific community as well as for local risk managers. The project will thus provide
many opportunities to develop a set of scientific and transferable skills that are valuable for career
development. Supervisors are Melanie Kah and Martin Brook. The successful candidate will receive a tax-free
stipend of up to NZ$28,500 annually, for up to 36 months. In addition, while in receipt of the scholarship, the
University will cover your pHd tuition and student services fees in full. This applies to both overseas and NZ students.

The ideal candidate will have:

  *   A MSc/Hons (or equivalent) in geochemistry, mineralogy, soil chemistry or related disciplines.
  *   Demonstrated strong research skills including research methods, writing, presentation
  *   Experience (or strong interest) in performing field work and laboratory experiments involving
  *   hazardous chemicals, and running analytical instruments (XRD, SEM and TEM in particular).
  *   Good organisation, collaborative and project management skills
  *   Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
  *   A full driver's license.
Starting date:
between now and December 2021. We will review applications on 1st March 2021 (or until the
position is filled). In view of the current border closure, we strongly encourage candidates who are already in
NZ to apply. If you are an excellent match to this job description, but are overseas, please feel free to apply!

How to apply:
Please send one pdf document including your CV (2 pages max.), a letter of motivation (1 page
max.) and an example of your own written work (e.g. thesis, article) to Melanie Kah
<melanie.kah at auckland.ac.nz>