Alison Kirkby

This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to join the interdisciplinary geothermal research group at Victoria University of Wellington and Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly GNS Science), as part of the New Zealand government-funded DeepHeat programme. The project aims to advance supercritical geothermal resource exploration using state-of-the-art geophysical imaging tools, including seismology and magnetotellurics. The successful candidate will participate in the installation of a new seismic network in New Zealand’s geothermal fields, working closely with industry partners and contributing to the drilling of one of the world’s deepest geothermal wells. The research will involve applying advanced geophysical techniques to better understand geothermal systems, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and collaboration. Applicants should have a background in Earth Science or Physics, with desirable skills in Python and/or MATLAB programming, and strong communication abilities in English. The position is based in the School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington. The PhD programme is supervised by Dr Finnigan Illsley-Kemp (VUW) and Dr Alison Kirkby (ESNZ), and offers a generous stipend of $35,000 NZD per year for three years, with the possibility of an additional six months of funding. All tuition fees are covered, and there is financial support for international conference attendance and fieldwork. Start dates are flexible after June 1st, 2026. Interested candidates should contact Finnigan Illsley-Kemp with a CV and academic transcript. Final applications will be evaluated after December 15, 2025, with interviews scheduled for early 2026.