This PhD is one of four interconnected, fully funded UC Connect PhD Scholarships co-developed by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and Te Papa Atawhai |Department of Conservation (DOC). Together, these projects investigate the ecological processes that sustain New Zealand's iconic braided rivers—from ecosystem functioning and biological invasions to species persistence and conservation. Successful candidates will join UC's Freshwater Ecology Research Group (FERG), working alongside UC researchers, DOC scientists and a collaborative cohort of PhD students tackling complementary ecological questions with direct conservation impact.
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Invasive aquatic plants are transforming New Zealand's high-country spring ecosystems, yet we know surprisingly little about the ecological processes that drive their proliferation, the ecological impacts and the potential for restoration. Understanding these processes is essential for protecting these unique freshwater habitats and the biodiversity and ecosystem services they support.
This three-year PhD will produce knowledge to underpin the conservation and management of high-country spring ecosystems. The successful candidate will combine field ecology, experiments and quantitative analysis to investigate questions such as: what controls the vulnerability of springs to weed invasion; how do invasive aquatic plants affect spring biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; and which management interventions are most effective at restoring invaded springs? The successful candidate will refine the project in conjunction with the team to reflect their interests and emerging management priorities.
The research builds on more than 30 years of ecological observations, recent field studies and established monitoring in Canterbury high-country springs, meaning there is access to long-term datasets, specialist equipment and dedicated technical support from both UC and DOC.
This PhD is integrated with DOC's freshwater science and restoration programmes. The successful candidate will contribute to research supporting DOC's Critical Ecosystem Pressures (CRESP) and Ngā Awa River Restoration Programme in the Upper Rakitata catchment, working alongside DOC scientists, and partners, including iwi, to deliver research that informs conservation management. You will join UC's Freshwater Ecology Research Group and be supervised by Dr Helen Warburton, Professor Angus McIntosh, and experienced DOC freshwater scientists, and be part of a linked science and conservation team. Additionally, The project will also have some field support from DOC, and ideally, given the logistical challenges of fieldwork in the upper Rakitata, the candidate will be able to collaborate with other students.
You'll work at the interface of invasion ecology, restoration ecology and conservation practice, advancing understanding of biological invasions while helping protect and restore New Zealand’s unique high-country spring ecosystems.
External Research Partner: Department of Conservation
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Dr Helen Warburton
Other Supervisor(s): Professor Angus McIntosh
Key qualifications and skills
We are seeking a motivated student with a background in ecology, freshwater science or a related discipline, an enthusiasm for field research and quantitative ecology, and an interest in applied conservation. We welcome applicants with diverse experiences and perspectives, including mātauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori research, community-led conservation, or working across different knowledge systems. Experience with ecological statistics is highly desirable. Skills such as GIS, freshwater ecology, electro-fishing, invertebrate identification and four-wheel driving are advantageous but not essential.
Applicants must meet the University of Canterbury’s PhD entry requirements, hold a current full driver’s licence, and be willing to work collaboratively in remote high-country environments.
The successful candidate must be enrolled at UC by 1 May 2027 – earlier enrolments are encouraged.
Does the project come with funding
Per annum: Stipend of $32,650 plus PhD tuition fees. The project has additional funding available towards research expenses.
Funding duration: Three years (360 points)
Final date for receiving applications
15 September 2026 (midnight)
How to apply
This is a UC Connect Scholarship and applications must be made through the Scholarship Portal in your myUC account. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Connect - Braided River Resilience: Understanding Ecosystems to inform Conservation
Keywords
Freshwater Ecology; Freshwater Ecosystems; Conservation Biology; Conservation Science; Braided Rivers; River Ecology; Ecosystem Ecology; Ecosystem Functioning; Ecosystem Services; Invasion Ecology; Biological Invasions; Invasive Species; Aquatic-Terrestrial Ecology; Disturbance Ecology; Restoration Ecology; Freshwater Restoration; River Restoration; Biodiversity; Food Web Ecology; Aquatic Plants; Macrophytes; Plant Ecology; Freshwater Fish; Threatened Freshwater Fish; Bird Ecology; Threatened Birds; Threatened Species; Population Ecology; Spatial Ecology; Landscape Ecology; River Connectivity; Ecological Theory; Quantitative Ecology; Field Ecology; Conservation Monitoring; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Science; High-country Springs; New Zealand; Galaxiid; Upland Longjaw Galaxias; Wrybill; Black-fronted Tern; Banded Dotterel; Erythranthe guttata; Monkey Musk; Nasturtium officinale; Watercress; Taonga species; Wai Māori, Awa, Rakitata; mahinga kai; Mahika kai; ki uta ki tai
