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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Across New Zealand's braided river floodplains are spring-fed ecosystems that make a distinctive contribution to the biodiversity, productivity, ecosystem services and resilience of braided river ecosystems. Yet despite their potential ecological significance, the contribution of stable springs to braided river functioning remains poorly understood. Understanding these processes is essential for protecting these nationally significant freshwater environments.
This three-year PhD will investigate how spring ecosystems contribute to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and the resilience of braided rivers, providing new knowledge to support freshwater conservation and restoration. The successful candidate will combine field ecology, food-web ecology and quantitative analysis to investigate questions such as: how do spring ecosystems contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; what ecosystem services do they provide within braided rivers; which springs are most important or vulnerable; and how can this knowledge be used to prioritise protection and guide restoration? The project will be refined with the successful candidate 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 programmes in Canterbury's high-country springs, providing 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 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 ecosystem ecology and conservation practice, advancing understanding of ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services while informing the protection and restoration of New Zealand's unique high-country spring ecosystems.
External Research Partner: Department of Conservation
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Professor Angus McIntosh
Other Supervisor(s): Dr Helen Warburton
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, food web 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 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.
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
