Summer Research Scholarship: Impacts of a changing climate on microalgal ecophysiology

Full job description
Summer Research Scholarship: Impacts of a changing climate on microalgal ecophysiology
Overview
Cawthron Institute is offering three summer scholarships for tertiary students to work alongside our scientists on real-world research projects over the 2026-27 summer. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, develop practical research and data analysis skills, and experience what it's like to work as a professional scientist.

One scholarship (see scholarship project titled: "Determining the fish conservation values of restored wetlands") is offered in partnership with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, New Zealand's Māori Centre of Research Excellence. Te Pītau Whakarei Karahipi is for undergraduate students of Māori decent.

Successful applicants will be based in Nelson for 10 working weeks, commencing after the end of Semester Two 2026 (mid-November), with a break over Christmas and New Year. Many previous scholarship recipients have gone on to complete postgraduate study and build successful careers in science.

Students are welcome to apply for more than one project, if you wish to do so, you must apply separately as each application is assessed on its own merits.

Details:

Scholarship recipients will receive a $7,500 scholarship each.
Cawthron's scholarship recipients will be featured by Cawthron as recipients of a funded summer scholarship.
Students will be supported throughout their placement and integrated into Cawthron's research environment
At the end of the placement, students will present their research through a presentation or written report
Students will need to find their own accommodation, though assistance will be provided if needed.
Other costs absorbed by Cawthron (e.g. desk, travel, field work, laboratory costs) as part of project budget.

Project
Climate change is significantly altering marine ecosystems by modifying key environmental drivers such as temperature, ocean chemistry, and nutrient availability. These changes can influence the growth, physiology, and competitive dynamics of marine microalgae, including species responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Understanding how future climate scenarios affect both harmful and non-harmful microalgal species is critical for predicting ecosystem impacts and managing risks to aquaculture, fisheries, and coastal health.

This project will investigate how projected climate change conditions influence marine microalgal communities using controlled experimental systems. Micro/mesocosm experiments will be developed to examine how environmental drivers affect the growth and composition of mixed microalgal assemblages that include both HAB and non-HAB species.

In addition, the student will contribute to ongoing experiments examining the growth responses of the toxin-producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum under simulated future climate conditions. These experiments use advanced photobioreactor systems that allow precise control of environmental variables. Through this work, the student will develop a range of practical laboratory skills, learn about phytoplankton ecophysiology and gain insight into how climate change may influence microalgae in the marine environment.

Student tasks:

Contribute to the design and implementation of micro/mesocosm experiments
Prepare microalgal growth media
Culture of a range of species of microalgae and monitor biological responses such as cell densities and toxin production.
Contribute to ongoing experiments on harmful algal species, including the opportunity to use sophisticated photobioreactor systems.
Student requirements:

Some experience in the subjects of microbiology, marine ecology or biochemistry would be preferred.
Basic laboratory skills such as pipetting, preparation of reagents, dilutions and recording and writing up data.
Experience in the used of aseptic technique i.e. cultivation of microbes (bacteria/fungi/microalgae) would be very advantageous.
Restricted or full drivers licence would be helpful – you will be working across the different Cawthron campuses.
Curious and willing to give things a go

Application and Selection Process

Please click "apply" to submit your application for this project. All applications are to be submitted via the Cawthron Careers page https://careers.cawthron.org.nz/ by 5pm Sunday 16 August 2026.

You must include the following in your application:

Curriculum Vitae

Relevant previous work experience.
Letter of support/reference from a 2026 lecturer or tutor.
Academic transcript with Grade Point Average (GPA).
Cover letter

Your intended qualification to study for in 2027
Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and Cawthron reserves the right to award the number of scholarships for which it believes it has suitable candidates.

Eligibility to apply (for any of our scholarships):

You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Enrolled at a New Zealand Tertiary institution.
Intending to undertake full-time study in 2027. You may be continuing your Bachelors degree, or planning to begin an Honours, or Masters degree.
Have completed their first year of study at the time of application i.e. currently taking subjects at 200 level or above.
Criteria for awarding these scholarships:

Academic achievement

Overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
Most recent semester Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicant's background

Subjects covered during study
Work/research experience
Future intentions
At Cawthron we strive for equitability and inclusion, if there are accommodations that we can provide to support you throughout the process, or for any questions or if you experience technical issues submitting your application, please email recruitment@cawthron.org.nz

Please note all applications must be submitted through our careers portal and can't be accepted via the above email address.