Four funded PhD projects are available as part of the Smart Aquifer Characterisation research programme led by GNS Science and involving Royal Haskoning (the Netherlands), Deltares (the Netherlands), University of Salzburg (Austria) and Otago Computational Modelling Group (NZ). The overall aim of the research is to develop a suite of innovative, cost-effective, rapid, complimentary methods for characterising New Zealand's groundwater systems (see www.earthzine.org/2011/12/13/).

PhD project 1: Groundwater-surface water interaction. This project will use the distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technique to characterise groundwater-surface water interaction. The data will be interpreted using groundwater flow and heat transport modelling. The DTS studies will cover representative NZ environments such as small, steep hill country streams, individual channels of braided rivers, and larger meandering rivers. The successful candidate will have an understanding of hydrogeology and/or hydrology, good numerical and computer skills, and ideally some experience in environmental modelling.

PhD project 2: Remote sensing. This project will evaluate satellite gravimetry, synthetic aperture radar, and thermal imagery for characterisation of New Zealand's aquifers. The successful candidate will have an understanding of hydrogeology and hydrology, good numerical and computer skills, and ideally some knowledge and/or experience in the use of remote sensing applications in general and satellite remote sensing in particular.

PhD project 3: Novel tracers of water age. This project will develop and test new methods for determining the age of water. Techniques to be investigated will include accelerator mass spectrometry for rapid tritium analysis, new gas tracers to replace the chlorofluorocarbons, and estimation of age based on chemical proxies. The successful candidate will have an understanding of chemistry, hydrogeology and/or hydrology, good computer skills, and good laboratory skills and experience.

PhD project 4: Data synthesis and visualisation. This PhD project will develop a state-of-the-art database interface to harmonise water-related information. The project will make use of existing databases and structures and apply OGC-compliant techniques for pre- and post-processing e.g. of time series from sensor observation networks with WaterML. Integrating existing datasets with real-time datasets and the web representation of developed 3D models is the core purpose of the PhD topic. The successful candidate will have experience in informatics, computer programming, hydro-climate sensors and wireless data transmission systems. A background in hydro(geo)logy is recommended but not necessarily required.

Each PhD student will be hosted at a New Zealand university (yet to be determined) and co-supervised by senior scientists from the partner organisations involved in this research programme. Each PhD position will be supported by a stipend of NZ$25,000 and a contribution of up to NZ$7,500 towards student fees.

Applications will be accepted until March 30, 2012 or until suitable candidates are selected. Expressions of interest must include a CV and a cover letter identifying the project(s) applied for, relevant experience, and the names and addresses of three referees. First preference will be given to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Projects will commence as soon as possible but start dates are negotiable. For more information or to apply for a position, contact Dr Chris Daughney, GNS Science, gns12021@earthworks-jobs.com