PhD Position (Funded) - Functional Eradication of Marine Pests
Project title: Functional Eradication of Marine Pests - Defining Impact Thresholds for Long-term Management
The successful candidate will join an innovative research programme addressing one of New Zealand's most pressing marine biosecurity challenges – managing invasive species and pests that are already here. This project will develop and validate the concept of 'functional eradication' for marine pest species - a novel approach that bridges traditional eradication efforts with sustainable long-term management strategies.
The PhD will focus on defining population size/density and impact thresholds below which pest populations should be managed to achieve functional eradication. The research will generate both fundamental ecological insights and applied biosecurity outcomes, with direct relevance to ongoing management efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The successful candidate will have latitude to define and steer the project within the overall programme framework. Several case studies are available to explore and can be used to address fundamental invasion management questions.
Ideally, the project will apply Western science concepts and methods alongside mātauranga Māori in parallel, complementary streams, with opportunities to integrate both knowledge systems where appropriate.
All case studies are based on existing collaborative relationships, providing a clear and supportive pathway for the candidate. The project benefits from substantial programme funding for fieldwork, experiments, and staff/collaborator time - making this a well-resourced PhD opportunity.
Joint Graduate School: Institute of Marine Science (University of Auckland) & Cawthron Institute
The successful candidate will be stationed at the Cawthron Institute - New Zealand's largest independent science organisation - which offers a broad spectrum of services to help protect the environment and support sustainable development of primary industries. Based in the Nelson region, Cawthron works with regional councils, government departments, major industries, private companies, and other research organisations throughout New Zealand and around the world.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
* A Bachelors (honours) degree or a Master's degree with a University of Auckland equivalent B+ grade, in Marine Biology, Ecology, Biosecurity, or a closely related field.
* Strong interest in marine pest management, invasion ecology, and marine conservation
* Experience or strong interest in working collaboratively with Māori communities and integrating indigenous knowledge systems
* Ability to work both independently and within interdisciplinary teams
* Proficiency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills
* Experience with ecological field methods and/or experimental design is highly desirable
* Familiarity with data processing and statistical analyses in R or similar computing environments is an advantage
* Willingness to undertake fieldwork in estuarine and coastal marine environments
How to apply:
Submit your application for this position via the our Cawthron Careers page by clicking 'Apply' below.
Review of applications will begin as applications are submitted, and strong candidates will be contacted promptly. Ideally, we expect the chosen candidate to submit a PhD application to the Auckland University graduate program by the 1st of February 2026.
Applications should include a brief statement describing the motivation for this position and alignment with the applicant's research interests, along with an updated CV and the names and contact information of two references.
If you have further questions, feel free to email Pablo Saenz on