PhD position available We are currently seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates to join the Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG)<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/>, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand: Project title Cetacean health and reproduction in a changing climate Research area and project description Climate change poses significant threats to the health of marine mammals through various interconnected mechanisms. For example, rising ocean temperatures and altered currents can lead to a decline in prey species, compelling cetaceans to expend more energy in foraging. Shifts in ocean temperatures and currents can alter the distribution of pathogens and parasites, increasing disease risks for marine mammals. Environmental stressors associated with climate change can weaken cetacean immune responses and affect broader animal health. The cumulative impact of such stressors can disrupt cetacean metabolic processes, affect energy balance and potentially, reduce reproductive success. The reproductive health of mammals is intricately linked to environmental stability. As climate change intensifies, some species face reduced fertility, increased infant mortality, and declining populations. This PhD project will leverage a 30-yr tissue archive and complimentary data series relating to age, growth and reproduction in common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), to assess if and how contaminants, nutrition, disease, and climate change affect reproductive function, growth and wider health. This PhD project will further explore how stranded cetaceans can be used to improve current understanding of cetacean health and the physiological/metabolic response to stressors to create biomarkers for wider population assessment. While the overarching project direction is described above, the successful PhD candidate will have opportunities to further shape their projects together with supervisors to match their own skills and interests. Applicants with a MSc degree and/or first-author publication are especially encouraged to apply. Required qualifications: * 1st or upper division 2nd class Honours (GPA 8) or equivalent in biology, ecology or a related field to be competitive for a Massey University Doctoral Scholarship - Massey University<https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/scholarships-and-awards/massey-university-doctoral-scholarship/> * excellent verbal and written communication skills * strong analytical and coding/programming experience in R or similar * ability to work well both independently and as part of a team * full drivers license Desirable qualifications: * MSc, MPhil or other postgraduate qualification in related field * 1 or more peer-reviewed publications * teeth aging / life history experience * dissection and tissue sampling experience * hormone, contaminant and/or wider assay experience The project will be based at the Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG)<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> based at Massey University (Auckland Campus). The student will be supervised by Prof Karen Stockin<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/assoc-prof-karen-stockin> based on the Auckland Campus, with additional co-supervision linked to Massey University School of Veterinary Science (Manawatu Campus). To express your interest in this position, please submit the following to: k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> · cover letter outlining your motivation · statement addressing required and desirable qualifications · CV detailing academic qualifications/grades and any relevant experience · email address of 2 academic references Expressions of Interest close 25 April 2025. Competitive candidates will be invited to apply through the Massey University admissions process to compete for scholarship, which pays an indexed stipend of $30,000 p.a. tax free (2025 rate) and covers tuition fees charged by the university for up to 3 years. The closing date for these scholarships is 1st July 2025, although the candidate will require an offer of place to be eligible to apply for the scholarship which will take 4 weeks from application. Accordingly, shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-May to proceed. The selected applicant must commence the programme by 1 March 2026. Please contact Prof Karen Stockin<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> if you have any questions about this position. Karen A Stockin, PhD Professor – Marine Ecology Rutherford Discovery Fellow – Royal Society Te Aparangi Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural Sciences| Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand Physical Address: CPU, 5 University Avenue, Massey University, Albany, North Shore, Auckland [cid:image001.png@01DB9B42.347D5F20]+64 (0)21 423997 • k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> • http://www.cetaceanecology.org<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DB9B42.347D5F20]
