PhD Students (3 positions)

Job Details

Funded PhD Opportunities – Revolutionizing Greenshell™ mussel aquaculture production in New Zealand (University of Auckland, New Zealand)

We're looking to take on three PhD students. If the below is of interest, please get in touch.

Project description:
The Greenshell™ mussel industry is New Zealand’s largest aquaculture sector. Despite its success, future growth and production are constrained by the inefficient use of very small seed mussels (“spat”). Our previous research has shown that deploying larger spat can substantially reduce on-farm losses and significantly improve production efficiency.

We are seeking three PhD candidates to join a collaborative research programme aimed at overcoming these bottlenecks and transforming the way mussels are farmed in New Zealand. Two PhD projects will focus on developing and optimizing husbandry practices for commercial mussel nursery systems, working closely with industry partners. The third PhD project will develop scalable, commercial approaches for separating small mussel spat from spat collectors, providing high-quality seed for nursery culture.

Funding:
These are fully funded PhD positions, i.e., includes a tax-free stipend (~ $36,000 NZD), tuition fees and research expenses for three years.
Please send a half page application describing what makes you a good candidate along with a CV and academic transcript to Brad Skelton (Brad.skelton@auckland.ac.nz).

Requirements

MSc

The successful candidates will have:
Exceptional oral and written communication skills enabling them to work closely with the aquaculture industry.
Practical skills, a full driver’s license, and an ability to work in the field and alongside industry (sometimes for extended stays of up to three months) to produce commercially relevant results.
A positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a strong sense of accountability.

Contact Information