Graduate Position: PhD Studentship, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), in collaboration with research partners, is undertaking an exciting 5-year project titled “De-risking New Zealand’s offshore wind energy: next-generational spatial planning and ecological assessment”. The project includes a PhD studentship focussing on seabirds, building the layers of information required for cutting-edge marine spatial planning. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years (includes tuition fees and a stipend). Applications due May 1, 2026!
Agency/Organization: University of Otago
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Website: https://niwa.co.nz/research/de-risking-new-zealands-offshore-wind-energy
Job Description:
The student will contribute to gathering and analysing data on distribution and habitat use of seabirds and assessing risk posed by development of offshore wind energy on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is envisaged the studentship will utilise existing data, augmented with new seabird tracking data and ship-based and aerial line transect survey data, complemented by in-situ and remotely sensed environmental data. The student will be based in the Department of Marine Science at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and supervised by Associate Professor Will Rayment (U Otago), Dr Tom Brough (ESNZ) and Dr David Thompson (ESNZ) with additional advisers as required.
The successful candidate will have the following attributes (essential):
MSc in a marine science discipline
Fieldwork experience with seabirds
Experience analysing ecological datasets using R, evidenced by peer-reviewed publication
Fluent in written and spoken English
Preferred attributes include:
Knowledge of species-distribution modelling and spatial/movement ecology
Experience with deployment and retrieval of seabird tracking gear
An understanding of strip-transect and line-transect data analysis
Knowledge of image processing methods, including implementation of AI algorithms
Wage/Compensation: NZ$34,128 per annum
To Apply: Please send a 2-page CV and 1-page cover letter explaining why you are well suited for the position to will.rayment@otago.ac.nz. Please note that unfortunately we cannot consider applicants who do not have the essential attributes listed above. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Start Date: Oct 1, 2026
Contact: Professor Will Rayment, University of Otago (will.rayment@otago.ac.nz)
