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Summer Research Scholarship: Unlocking ecologically-informed multi-species low trophic aquaculture
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#762862
Remote / WFH
Cawthron Institute
Job Description
Full job description
Summer Research Scholarship: Unlocking ecologically-informed multi-species low trophic aquaculture
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
Traditionally, aquaculture in New Zealand has followed a single species approach to optimising farming processes and crop yields. Mussel (Perna canaliculus) farming is the largest aquaculture sector in NZ by value and volume, and the sustainable growth of the industry is a key focus of the Government. On the other hand, it is widely recognised that the reliance on only a few aquaculture species leaves the aquaculture industry vulnerable to environmental and biological threats and challenges as well as to market fluctuations that can heavily influence supply and demand for New Zealand’s premium seafood products. Hence, diversification into additional high-value species production has been identified as key for the future resilience of the sector.
There is an array of low-trophic species such as seaweeds (e.g., kelps) and marine invertebrates (e.g., scallops, sea urchins, sea cucumbers) whose value goes beyond economics, supporting ecosystem management and restoration initiatives. Most of these species are also perfect candidates to evaluate less-intensive, more environmentally friendly farming approaches that consider growing multiple species together either on land or in the sea.
The objective of this project is to explore and evaluate species interactions going from nutrient transfer across different trophic levels, synergies, and constraints in the context of multi-species farming to enable the development of alternative seafood production systems. Priority will be given to low-trophic species (primary producers, grazers, deposit-feeders) with known and untapped commercial potential.
Student tasks:
You will contribute to projects within the Shellfish and Seaweed research teams at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park, although a wider research engagement will be encouraged. It is expected that the scholar will be able take leadership of a project with the support of the wider team (Scientist and technical staff). This will include elements of experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of the results.
Student requirements:
We are seeking a highly motivated and organised student with a passion for marine science, and its power to make a difference. A willingness to learn, and the skills to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. Marine species husbandry and laboratory experience ideal. A valid driver licence and access to transport is preferred.
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.
Summer Research Scholarship: Unlocking ecologically-informed multi-species low trophic aquaculture
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
Traditionally, aquaculture in New Zealand has followed a single species approach to optimising farming processes and crop yields. Mussel (Perna canaliculus) farming is the largest aquaculture sector in NZ by value and volume, and the sustainable growth of the industry is a key focus of the Government. On the other hand, it is widely recognised that the reliance on only a few aquaculture species leaves the aquaculture industry vulnerable to environmental and biological threats and challenges as well as to market fluctuations that can heavily influence supply and demand for New Zealand’s premium seafood products. Hence, diversification into additional high-value species production has been identified as key for the future resilience of the sector.
There is an array of low-trophic species such as seaweeds (e.g., kelps) and marine invertebrates (e.g., scallops, sea urchins, sea cucumbers) whose value goes beyond economics, supporting ecosystem management and restoration initiatives. Most of these species are also perfect candidates to evaluate less-intensive, more environmentally friendly farming approaches that consider growing multiple species together either on land or in the sea.
The objective of this project is to explore and evaluate species interactions going from nutrient transfer across different trophic levels, synergies, and constraints in the context of multi-species farming to enable the development of alternative seafood production systems. Priority will be given to low-trophic species (primary producers, grazers, deposit-feeders) with known and untapped commercial potential.
Student tasks:
You will contribute to projects within the Shellfish and Seaweed research teams at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park, although a wider research engagement will be encouraged. It is expected that the scholar will be able take leadership of a project with the support of the wider team (Scientist and technical staff). This will include elements of experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of the results.
Student requirements:
We are seeking a highly motivated and organised student with a passion for marine science, and its power to make a difference. A willingness to learn, and the skills to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. Marine species husbandry and laboratory experience ideal. A valid driver licence and access to transport is preferred.
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.
