PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Geological Remote Sensing and Mineral Exploration (New Zealand)
Massey University
Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, with a strong focus on innovation, applied research and the creation of new knowledge. Its research spans a wide range of disciplines and is supported by national and international partnerships. The University provides a supportive doctoral research environment, with opportunities for students to work on research with real-world impact.
Homepage: https://www.massey.ac.nz/
Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Tectonics and Structural Geology (TS)
Massey University (New Zealand), in collaboration with industry partner Hardie Pacific, is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake a PhD in Earth Observation-based geological mapping and mineral prospectivity for New Zealand. The project is funded through New Zealand's Applied Doctoral Scheme (ADS), a government-supported programme designed to foster strong industry-research collaboration.
Earth Observation technologies remain underutilised in mineral exploration despite their significant potential to improve exploration targeting and reduce costs. This PhD will develop novel remote-sensing and machine-learning workflows for geological mapping and mineral prospectivity analysis, focusing on New Zealand's Otago Schist gold province.
The project will integrate satellite hyperspectral imaging datasets, including EMIT, EnMAP and PRISMA data, with LiDAR-based digital terrain models, and advanced machine learning and spectral analysis techniques. These remote-sensing approaches will be combined with field-based geological mapping and validation to develop innovative workflows for geological mapping and mineral prospectivity assessment.
We encourage applications from graduates with backgrounds in wider range of geoscience. Experience with GIS, remote sensing, programming, machine learning, or mineral exploration workflows would be advantageous but is not mandatory.
The student will be based primarily at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, with significant industry engagement through Hardie Pacific, a leading geological consultancy based in Dunedin. Approximately 70% of the programme will be university-based and 30% will involve industry placements, fieldwork and collaborative research activities.
Applicants should be able to commence their PhD by 1 March 2027. Recent Honours and MSc graduates are particularly encouraged to apply.
For further information and enquiries, please contact:
Gabor Kereszturi (email: G.Kereszturi@massey.ac.nz)