Use of eDNA and other molecular tools to unravel the effects of land- based influences on rocky reef biodiversity and function

Overview

This project is part of a nationwide Coastal Programme between several New Zealand universities, institutes and agencies, entitled Toka ākau toitu Kaitiakitanga – building a sustainable future for coastal reef ecosystems. Its central purpose is to develop solutions for managing land-based stressors on nearshore marine ecosystems at large scales.

Kelp forests and rocky reef communities are declining in New Zealand and worldwide from a wide range of anthropogenic and environmental stressors. The consequences of continued decline in these highly diverse and productive ecosystems are culturally and economically immense, with considerable effects on food, fisheries, aquaculture, carbon sequestration, and the ‘blue economy’.

On coastal reefs, kelp forest decline is mostly due to catchment-derived sediment and contaminant discharges smothering reefs and altering the light environment, while marine activities (e.g., over-fishing, substrate disturbances) and warming seas further degrade nearshore ecosystems. Management has been unable to respond effectively to the degree and increasing pace of change.

Our objectives are to reverse the decline of Aotearoa New Zealand’s kelp ecosystems, improve the health of the coastal environment, and empower Māori iwi / hapū as strong partners in effective coastal management by integrating indigenous knowledge and perspectives (mātauranga) and much-needed multi-disciplinary insight.

About the position

This PhD student will:

• Combine eDNA and taxonomic identification of specimens from disturbed and non-disturbed rocky reefs to gain an understanding of the diversity patterns and ecosystem functions in four key biogeographical regions in New Zealand.
• Compare data, including other biophysical and socio-ecological data, from different regions and over time to better understand the effects of land-based influences and stressor interactions (e.g. sedimentation and warming).
• Combine results to help create recommendations and tools for managers / kaitiaki in order to promote recovery and build resilience of rocky reefs and kelp forests.

Skills required

The successful candidate must have an interest in and knowledge of ecology and biology. The candidate will ideally have a background in marine ecology or biological sciences, molecular biology, and familiarity with genetic laboratory methods.

It would be advantageous to have some experience in one or more of:

• DNA extraction and amplification
• Biological field work in remote areas
• Knowledge of New Zealand marine organisms
• Bioinformatics and R
• An ability to work both independently and within a team
• A history of high academic achievement

Candidates should have a BSc(Hons), master’s degree or equivalent, with excellent grades, appropriate research experience, and be motivated to work in a cross-disciplinary field and interact with scientists in the wider programme.

The scholarship

The successful candidate will work within the Gemmell Lab team at the University of Otago. Full research costs for the projects as well as scholarship support ($35,000 pa) will be provided for 3 years.

How to apply

Please email an expression-of-interest letter (outlining your interests and background), your academic record/transcripts (unofficial), your CV, and the names of at least three referees to:

Dr Allison Miller
Email milal31p@otago.ac.nz

Program Lead Investigators may also be contacted:

• Professor David Schiel
  Email david.schiel@canterbury.ac.nz
• Professor Chris Battershill
  Email chris.bsattershill@waikato.ac.nz
• Professor Neil Gemmell
  Email neil.gemmell@otago.ac.nz

The position will close once a suitable candidate is found so we encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago