PhD Student in Greenhouse Gas Modelling - NIWA

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 30 Sep 2021

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation whose purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of Aotearoa New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide understanding of climate and the atmosphere and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

We seek a highly motivated person for a three-year PhD studentship on measurements and modelling of atmospheric greenhouse gases at NIWA in New Zealand.  The student project will focus on using atmospheric models to infer New Zealand's CO2 emissions and carbon uptake by our forests and surrounding ocean from atmospheric data at a growing network of sites.

This PhD project is part of the recently-funded CarbonWatchNZ research programme, a five year $(NZ) 11.4M programme to establish a national-scale world-leading greenhouse gas measurement and modelling system.  The student will be part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary research team working with atmospheric measurements, atmospheric modelling, terrestrial modelling, and flux tower measurements.  CarbonWatchNZ supports New Zealand's goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 by providing information to government, land managers, Māori partners, and others engaged in emission reductions.  A student interested in working with policy makers or scientific communications would find opportunities with this project. 

The student will be expected to enroll as a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington.  They will be co-supervised by Sara Mikaloff Fletcher (NIWA) and Liz Keller ( who has a joint appointment at Victoria University of Wellington and GNS Science) and be physically based at NIWA in Wellington, New Zealand. 

Prospective candidates must have a background in chemistry, physics, Earth science, or related discipline, have an aptitude for mathematics, be proficient in one or more scientific programming language, and be eligible for acceptance to the Victoria University of Wellington's Ph.D. programme, requiring a Masters or equivalent degree.  A scholarship will be provided. 

The start date will be in early to mid 2022 and we will accept applications until 30 September 2021.  Applications should include a cover letter and recent CV and evidence of eligibility for the Victoria University of Wellington PhD programme.

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, , please still get in touch!

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.



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