Funded Research Projects
University of Waikato Academics list research funding/projects and opportunties when available.
University of Waikato Academics have various research funding/projects available. Please read the project details and contact the relevant academic directly to apply.
Tenure Masters: full time or part time for up to 2 years.
Value: one-off payment of $8317
Closing date: 1 November 2024
- Applications are invited for a funded master's opportunity in the School of Sport and Human Movement, University of Waikato. The scholarship covers a contribution to course fees and other course costs, including travel to the International Symposium for Adapted Physical Activity in Ireland in 2025, and is for current practitioners working in the disability sport and active recreation sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Applicants are invited to study in an area that will complement their day-to-day work and be of benefit to the disability sport community in Aotearoa. Specifically, applicants are encouraged with an interest in disability, sport and inclusive practice.
- The successful applicant should be eligible to enrol in a full master's programme at the University of Waikato and will be based at the University. The project will also involve close collaboration with key stakeholders in the disability sport sector.
Eligibility
- Applicants should have a relevant undergraduate background, with a minimum of an A- GPA.
- Prior research experience would be advantageous, but not essential.
- Part-time/full-time applications are encouraged.
Application documents required
Please provide:
- CV, highlighting your achievements and relevant experience.
- two references (one academic and professional)
- letter of support from your employer.
Interested applicants should discuss this opportunity with Dr Robert Townsend by email to robert.townsend@waikato.ac.nz.
Tenure: 18 months
Value: NZ$24,000 ($1,333.33 per month), full tuition fees, Student Services Fee and Insurance. Co-funding will be sought for additional research costs.
Closing date: Sunday 28th April 2024 (or until filled)
- Whakahohetia Ngā Wai Kāinga is a focus study within the Toitū Ngā Taonga Waimāori research programme (see below) that aims to support Te Arawa’s place-based prioritisation and implementation of adaptation interventions that will support the resilience of their cultural keystone species and iwi/hapū communities under a changing climate.
- Kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) once supported an important customary fishery for Te Arawa iwi/hapū. Along with other galaxiid species, kōaro have been greatly impacted by land use change and the introduction of non-native fish species. Catchment modifications, exotic and invasive species, and other man-made pressures have decimated this taonga species in the Te Arawa lakes, where only small, relict populations now remain. Climate change is likely to expose these populations to further challenges.
- This MSc study will focus on the ecology of kōaro in a stream-wetland mosaic along the shoreline of Lake Ōkāreka. A significant population has been discovered in this habitat and it is thought to be an important source of recruits for the kōaro metapopulation in Lake Ōkāreka. The study will address the population and trophic ecology of kōaro in this habitat over the course of a year through monthly sampling. The study will aim to describe the population demography (including size classes) through time and establish prey sources to better understand the food-web dynamics of kōaro using this stream-wetland refuge. There are opportunities to learn/use eDNA approaches and assess the habitat preferences of other kōaro populations across the Te Arawa region.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Our team is seeking a highly motivated and skilled MSc candidate to work on this collaborative project with the University of Waikato, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Kusabs & Associates and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
- The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in ecology or environmental science. Good written communication skills are desired. You will be conscientious, detail oriented, hard-working, eager to do field work, and have a positive attitude.
- MSc supervision will be provided by Dr Frank Burdon, with support from Dr Ian Kusabs and Te Arawa Lakes Trust where needed.
Entry requirements
To be eligible, you need to meet the enrolment requirements of the University of Waikato. Ideally you will be ready to commence study as soon as possible.
At Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, the University of Waikato, we embrace equity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply.
Application documents required
Please provide:
- A letter outlining your motivation for applying for this MSc opportunity (max. 2 pages).
- Your comprehensive CV, highlighting your achievements and relevant experience.
- Contact details for at least two referees.
Note: Academic transcripts may be requested to demonstrate your educational background and eligibility for this opportunity.
Interested applicants should discuss this opportunity with Dr Frank Burdon by email to frank.burdon@waikato.ac.nz.
Looking for PhD opportunities?
The University of Waikato has a wide range of PhD research opportunities available and new vacancies are added regularly.