PhD Scholarship Opportunity: River Water Quality

The PhD project will aim to generate new measurements and knowledge on mechanisms of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) dynamics, including their storages, uptakes and/or releases affected by riverbed sediments, algal growths, and fluvial emissions within the river stream. Combined with a review of existing literature and river water quality models, this new set of river nutrient dynamics and water flows observations will aim to inform development of locally calibrated empirical model to predict instream nutrient processes and their attenuation in catchment-scale water quality models.

The successful candidate is likely to have an Honours or Masters degree or equivalent, with research experience related to environmental hydrology, water quality, hydrology and water quality modelling. Knowledge and experience with river water quality research field work, instruments/sensor, laboratory analysis, and relevant analysis tools for data analysis (e.g. R, statistical analysis, and river water quality models) are preferable. The successful candidate must demonstrate good communication and writing skills, show an ability to take initiative and lead research project with supervision, and be a good team member. The position is open to both New Zealand and international applicants; however, a preference will be given to locally suitable candidate.

The PhD candidate will be enrolled in Environmental Science Group of the School of Agriculture and Environment at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Find more details on PhD enrollment requirements at Massey University , including English language test requirements for international candidates.

The Scholarship will pay NZ $35,000 per annum plus fees for a maximum of 3 years, and support for research fieldwork and presentation at a national conference.

Interested applicants are invited to send Professor Ranvir Singh their application including a cover letter describing their research interests, skills and experiences along with a detailed CV, and copies of relevant academic transcripts. They should also include a sample of their scientific writing (e.g. a published article or conference paper) and contact details of three academic referees, by 1st November 2026. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in the final selection process.

For further information, please contact Professor Ranvir Singh at Massey University.

Application checklist

Include the following with your application:

• a cover letter describing your research interests, skills and experiences
• a detailed CV
• copies of relevant academic transcripts
• a sample of your scientific writing (e.g. a published article or conference paper)
• contact details of three academic referees