PhD Scholarships in Biology, New Zealand: There are two fully funded PhD scholarships available at Vitoria University, one of New Zealand’s leading research institutions. These PhD opportunities are part of a three-year Marsden Fund–supported project funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand.
The project is on cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis, with a focus on coral bleaching and the adaptive capacity of reef corals under climate change. The scholarships are ideal for motivated researchers who want their doctoral work to sit at the forefront of coral reef science, climate resilience, and cellular and physiological biology.
With assistance from collaborators Prof. Virginia Weis of Oregon State University, Prof. Arthur Grossman of Carnegie Institution, Prof. David Suggett of King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, KAUST, and Dr Clint Oakley, Prof. Simon Davy will oversee the students of this program.
Program Description – PhD Scholarships in Biology, New Zealand
The chosen PhD candidates will add to a more comprehensive, integrated research program that looks at interactions between corals and symbionts at various biological scales.
The project will integrate comparative research across species and ecosystems with laboratory-based experimentation. The key research organisms consist of:
- Cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis is frequently studied using the model sea anemone Aiptasia.
- Reef corals are found in tropical and subtropical regions
- Red Sea-based Indo-Pacific coral species
- Local coral species found in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Qualification for PhD Scholarships in Biology, New Zealand
- Applicants must have a postgraduate degree in a relevant biological discipline.
- Have a sound knowledge of marine biology.
- Possible methods to be used during the PhD project include omics (transcriptomics, proteomics and/or metabolomics), immunohistochemistry, photo-physiology, and imaging mass spectrometry.
- Obtain the minimum requirement of First Class Honours (or equivalent) or a GPA of 3.8/4.0 from the most recent university degree qualification.
- Applicants must be willing to travel for overseas fieldwork and/or laboratory visits.
- Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills in science.
Application Process for PhD Scholarships in Biology, New Zealand
To apply for the PhD position, send the following documentation to Prof. Simon Davy via email
- Cover Letter, CV, Copies of academic transcripts
- Writing sample (e.g, a first-author publication, or MSc thesis chapter)
- Names of two academic referees (including a thesis supervisor)
About the Supervisors
The PhD students will be working under the primary supervision of Professor Simon Davy, a leading expert in coral biology and symbiosis. Students will also benefit from an outstanding international supervisory and collaboration team, including:
- Prof. Virginia Weis of Oregon State University
- Prof. Arthur Grossman of Carnegie Institution
- Prof. David Suggett of King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, KAUST,
- Dr Clint Oakley
Deadline and Contact Information
Application Deadline: Closing date for applications is 5th January 2026 or until the position is filled.