University of Waikato
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University of Waikato Seeker Doctoral Scholarship
PhD in Fit-for-All Military Footwear for Injury Prevention and NZDF Readiness University of Waikato in New Zealand
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sports Science
Funding
Opportunity with funding. Scholarship value is up to $33,000 per year for up to 36 months, plus domestic tuition fees and Student Services Fee.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
New Zealand
University
University of Waikato
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Waikato on fit-for-all military footwear for injury prevention and NZDF operational readiness.
This doctoral project sits within health, sports science, biomechanics, and human movement research, with strong links to biomedical/mechanical engineering through footwear design, prototype testing, wearable sensors, force measurement, and AI-powered markerless motion capture. The project is co-supervised by Associate Professor Kim Hebert-Losier, Associate Professor Martyn Beaven, and Dr Marrin Haggie.
The research will be co-designed with industry partners and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), with cultural oversight from the institutional Māori advisor. It focuses on recruits and female personnel, aiming to improve footwear fit, reduce lower-limb injury risk, and support inclusivity and operational readiness across the NZDF and other uniformed services.
The doctoral student will complete three linked studies: mapping current footwear use, fit concerns, and injury trends; testing current and prototype footwear using motion capture, wearable sensors, force measurement, functional performance testing, and user-reported outcomes; and translating findings into practical design requirements plus an evidence-informed footwear prescription and acquisition framework.
Funding: University of Waikato Seeker Doctoral Scholarship, valued at up to NZD 33,000 per year for up to 36 months, plus domestic tuition fees and Student Services Fee.
Eligibility: A- GPA or higher; completed Masters (Research) degree or equivalent in sport science, engineering, kinesiology, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, or a related discipline; full-time study; domestic and international candidates considered; excellent written and spoken English; preferred experience in military/armed personnel, musculoskeletal/orthopedics, wearables, statistics, and scientific writing.
Location: Tauranga campus, University of Waikato, with industry placement expected in Waiouru and Palmerston North.
Deadline: 30 September 2026. Anticipated start date: early 2027.
Funding details
Opportunity with funding. Scholarship value is up to $33,000 per year for up to 36 months, plus domestic tuition fees and Student Services Fee.
What's required
Expected GPA of A- or higher. Applicants should have completed a Masters (Research) degree or equivalent in sport science, engineering, kinesiology, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, or a related discipline. Full-time study is required. Domestic and international candidates will be considered. Excellent written and spoken English is required, and experience in military/armed personnel, musculoskeletal/orthopedics, wearables, statistics, and scientific writing is preferred.
How to apply
Prepare a cover letter or statement of research interest, CV, academic transcript, at least two academic references, and a sample of academic writing. Send these materials to the Chief Supervisor, A/Professor Kim Hebert-Losier, and then suitable applicants will be invited to apply formally for PhD admission. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online in late October 2026.
More information can be found here
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