How will freshwater acidification impact algal communities?

We are recruiting a PhD student who will use the latest tools in eco-physiology and molecular biology to understand the direct and indirect impacts of rising CO₂ levels on algal communities. This work aims to shed light on the interactive effects of decreasing pH and increasing CO₂ levels on the physiology of different algal species, as well as exploring species shifts in freshwater ecosystems to inform how these systems might respond to future acidification due to increasing atmospheric CO₂.

This work is part of an MBIE Endeavour programme (Safeguarding Te Mana o te Awa o Waikato from Emerging Climatic Pressures), and includes exciting opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists at research institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand, work alongside the kaitiaki (guardians) of this species, and gain sought-after skills.

The project will involve:

·      Sampling algal species alongside hapori Māori and other scientists, contrasting their biology under differing environmental conditions.

·      Performing comparisons of physiological traits (using eco-physiology, molecular biology and isotope chemistry).

·      Investigating the cellular-level differences in key species, contrasting composition and gene expression with transcriptomic comparisons and SPLiTseq-based single cell RNAseq.

This project would suit a student with some existing research experience in fields such as algal physiology, bioinformatics, freshwater ecology, or molecular biology, and an interest in fieldwork. The doctoral student will be enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington, but will work in close collaboration with scientists at University of Otago (Dr Nathan Kenny, co-supervisor), Lincoln University/Cawthron (Dr Susie Wood, co-supervisor), and Lincoln Agritech.

This position comes with a stipend ($35,000 NZ per annum minus any insurance costs), a tuition fee waiver, and will receive further support from the broader work programme, including dedicated networking and training opportunities. In particular, there will be opportunities to work alongside scientists and students studying freshwater algae in the same ecosystem, which will lead to exciting collaborative opportunities.

For more information, please contact us using the contact form below. To apply, we will then ask you to send a CV, a few paragraphs stating your skillset, aspirations, and reason for interest in the position, and two academic referees to us.

International applicants with a strong academic and research record are eligible for funding under this scheme (although travel/visa costs are not covered) and are encouraged to apply.