PhD Scholarship to Study Surface water–Groundwater Interactions at Massey University, New Zealand
We invite applications for a PhD study in the area of surface water–groundwater interactions and its impact on the fate and transport of farm nutrients to rivers via groundwater. Sound understanding of the fate and transport of farm nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus is a key component of managing the influence of these inputs to water quality. These nutrients, once released from agricultural soils, take different pathways (via surface runoff, subsurface flow, and subsurface drainage) to surface and groundwater bodies. While the fate and transport of nutrients in the soil profile is well understood, little is known about their movement in either the vadose zone or in groundwater. This PhD project will focus on understanding surface water-groundwater interactions and its impact on the fate and transport (time lag and attenuation) of nitrogen as it moves from farms to river via groundwater. The study will be conducted in Manawatu Catchment, in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand. The results of this research will help in the management and mitigation of any adverse impacts of landuse on water quality and ecosystem health in the catchment.
This PhD project is a joint initiative and co-funded by the Institute of Natural Resources at Massey University and Horizons Regional Council. Horizons Regional Council manages the natural resources of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand. The Council has an extensive set of monitoring sites for measuring surface water and groundwater, and dedicated staff investigating surface water – groundwater interactions in the region. The Institute of Natural Resources at Massey University has a strong team of scientists in the area of environmental hydrology, hydrogeology, and soil and earth sciences. The successful PhD candidate will enjoy full support, guidance and supervision from both, the council and university staff and scientists to complete his/her research work. The PhD candidate will be enrolled with the Soil and Earth Sciences Group at the Turitea Campus of Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
The candidate should have a master’s degree or equivalent in either natural/environmental sciences or engineering, and be of sufficient academic standard to be awarded a Massey University PhD Scholarship. The key attributes of a successful candidate are a strong background in hydrology and hydrogeology, interest and experience in hydrological modelling, good communication skills, hard working and a good team member. The position is open to both New Zealand and international candidates.
The Scholarship* will be NZ $25,000 per annum to a maximum of 3 years. Recipient will be responsible for the payment of their fees** to the university.
*Candidate will be encouraged to apply for a Massey Doctoral Scholarship (http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/admission/scholarships-bursaries-awards/doctorate-scholarships/doctorate-scholarships_home.cfm). Candidate who gain such a Massey Doctoral Scholarship would receive a top-up from project funds, increasing the scholarship to $28,000 per year for 3-years.
** See indicative fee figures at the following link: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/international/financial-information/cost-of-study/en/cost-of-study_home.cfm
Applicants are requested to e-mail (r.singh@massey.ac.nz) their application including a short description of their research interests, skills and experiences with a detailed CV, a sample of scientific writing or publication, and three academic references by 15th May 2011.
For further information, please contact Dr Ranvir Singh (r.singh@massey.ac.nz) at Massey University, and/or Dr Jon Roygard (jon.roygard@horizons.govt.nz) at Horizons Regional Council.
Dr Ranvir Singh
Senior Lecturer in Environmental Hydrology and Soil Science
Soil and Earth Sciences Group, Institute Of Natural Resources
Massey University, Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Phone: + 64 6 356 9099 extn 2327
Fax: + 64 6 350 5632
http://soilsearth.massey.ac.nz/profile.asp?StaffID=65388
http://soils-earth.massey.ac.nz/
