I am always looking for interested students to work on problems relating to computational geosciences and geophysics. In addition, I have interests in epidemology and increasingly in economic modeling and climate research. Please reach out if you are interested. Make sure to provide some details about yourself, your background, and your interests and goals. 

PhD opportunity at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Hazardous mass movements, including pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and snow avalanches, produce seismic and acoustic signals, which can be used to detect, monitor, and characterise flow properties. However, there is a lot that remains unknown about how the physical properties of the flow relate to the observed geophysical signals. 

We are advertising for a PhD student to perform large-scale numerical simulations of mass movements using MFIX, which has previously been used for modelling PDCs (see here for an example: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB022442). The PhD student will run the MFIX simulations and couple to wave propagation models to simulate seismic and acoustic signals generated by the mass movement.

This project will involve running large simulations on high performance computing environments. Prior knowledge/experience working in these environments will be beneficial as well as an understanding of computational fluid dynamics. The project will also involve applying complex mathematical methods to the simulation outputs, such as the integral representation to calculate acoustics. Hence, the student will need a comprehensive mathematical background. 

The University of Canterbury PhD scholarships are for 3 years at NZ$35,000 + tuition fees and student levies. The New Zealand system is entirely research focused with no coursework during the PhD program. 

The PhDs are open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality. To apply, please contact leighton.watson@canterbury.ac.nz by email with the subject line “Modelling PhD” and provide the following:

• A one-to-two-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this project, what are your career aspirations, and how will doing this PhD assist you in achieving those goals. Including a description of your experience with high performance computing, computational fluid dynamics, and mathematical expertise. 

• Your CV and copies of undergraduate/masters academic records (note that these do not need to be “official” versions at this stage)

• Contact details for two academic references

• A writing sample. For example, this could be a prior publication or report from a class project. 

The deadline for applications is 3rd of May at 23:59 New Zealand time. Interviews will take place with short listed candidates during the following weeks. 

Please note that this is the first step in the application process. The successful candidate will then have to apply to UC and, if an international student, will need to apply for a student visa. For information about the formal application process for a PhD at the University of Canterbury, see here: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/uc-graduate-school/future-research-students/become-a-research-student. International students may need to take an English language test and will be required to submit their academic transcripts to a grade conversion website to convert different grading scales into a New Zealand scale. The successful candidate should expect to start by August 2026.