PhD Opportunity: Microbial Functions as Indicators of Freshwater Ecosystem Stress and Recovery Acros

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. PhD Opportunity: Microbial Functions as Indicators of Freshwater Ecosystem Stress and Recovery Across Aotearoa New Zealand PhD Position at the Cawthron Institute and Lincoln University Location: Cawthron Institute and Lincoln University and New Zealand Freshwater ecosystems across Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing increasing pressure from multiple interacting stressors, including nutrient enrichment, land-use change, climate warming, invasive species, and hydrological modification. These pressures are altering ecosystem structure and function, yet many ecological changes remain difficult to detect using conventional monitoring approaches. Understanding how freshwater ecosystems have changed, which stressors are most influential, and how ecosystem function responds is essential for effective restoration and management. This PhD project will use cutting-edge microbial metagenomics to investigate how freshwater ecosystem function varies across New Zealand lakes. The project will utilise a nationally unique dataset comprising metagenomic sequences from more than 150 lakes across Aotearoa New Zealand. The successful candidate will integrate these genomic data with environmental and limnological datasets to better understand how multiple stressors influence freshwater ecosystem function. The successful candidate will Characterise spatial patterns in microbial functional genes across diverse lake types. Investigate relationships between microbial functions and environmental drivers, including nutrient status, land use, and climate. Examine how multiple stressors interact to influence microbial functional potential across local and national scales. Depending on the student's interests and experience, opportunities also exist to undertake field sampling and laboratory experiments to validate genomic findings and investigate specific ecological processes. What you’ll bring A strong background in environmental science, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related discipline. An interest in microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental data science. Experience with (or enthusiasm for learning) data analysis using R or similar software. Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Supervisors Dr John Pearman (Cawthron Institute) and Professor Susie Wood (Lincoln University). Scholarship NZ$35,000 per annum (tax free) and full domestic or international tuition fees. Applicants must meet Lincoln University PhD entry requirements. Please check before applying. Applications close 30 August 2026. For any questions, please email ***********@cawthron.org.nz. #J-18808-Ljbffr