PhD Scholarship to study environmental hydrology and water quality at Massey University

We invite applications for a PhD study to investigate critical nutrient flow pathways, including transport and transformation of nitrate contamination in shallow groundwater in Coastal sandy agricultural catchments in the lower North Island, New Zealand. The PhD project will aim to contribute novel research findings for development of an integrated,catchment-scale modelling to evaluate in-field and edge-of-field management and mitigation practices to reduce nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) loads to Coastal Sand dune lakes in the lower North Island, New Zealand.

The successful candidate is likely to have an Honours or Masters degree or equivalent, with research experience related to catchment hydrology, land use, water quality, hydrogeochemistry, and hydrological and water quality modelling. Knowledge and experience with relevant analysis tools for data analysis (e.g. R, statistical analysis, GIS and hydrological and 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. Preference will be given to locally suitable candidate.

The PhD study is part of a collaborative research programme between Massey University’s Farmed Landscapes Research Centre and Horizons Regional Council. Horizons Regional Council manages the natural resources of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand. The Council has extensive datasets of; regional geographical information, the quantity and quality of surface waters and groundwaters, and hydrogeological surveys of the region (https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/manawatu-wanganui-region/). Massey University FLRC has a strong team of scientists in environmental, soil and earth sciences, hydrology, water quality (http://www.massey.ac.nz/~flrc/). The successful PhD candidate will enjoy full support, guidance and supervision from both University staff and Horizons Regional Council scientists.

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. Visit the following link for more details on PhD enrollment requirements at Massey University https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/doctor-of-philosophy-PLPHD/, including English language test requirements for international candidates https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/about-postgraduate-study/phds-and-professional-doctorates/how-to-apply-for-a-doctoral-degree/

The Scholarship will pay NZ $30,000 per annum plus fees for a maximum of 3 years, and support for research fieldwork and presentation at a national or international conference.

Interested applicants are invited to send Professor Ranvir Singh (r.singh@massey.ac.nz) 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 name and contact details of three academic referees, by 15th February 2026. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in the final selection process.

For further information, please contact Professor Ranvir Singh (r.singh@massey.ac.nz) at Massey University.

Ranvir Singh

Professor in Environmental Hydrology

Environmental Science Group, Massey University,

Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

Phone: + 64 6 356 9099 extn 84868

http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=465040