Join the JDC

Links to: Student Information, Information for Postdoctorial Reseachers

Current Positions Available

The JDC group at the University of Otago, New Zealand, has openings in PhD and MSc programmes, both experimental and theoretical. The group is internationally recognised, has a high profile within the University and the wider community, and is well funded. The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university with a rich tradition in both education and research, and is located near to the country's best outdoor adventure destinations. Successful applicants will join a productive team, based around five academic staff.

Interested students should contact one of the following staff in the first instance to informally discuss available projects: Individuals interested in theory projects should consult the theory page and direct inquiries to Prof. Rob Ballagh, Dr David Hutchinson, or Dr Blair Blakie. Individuals interested in experimental projects should consult the experiment page and direct inquiries to Dr Andrew Wilson or Dr Murray Barrett.

Scholarship Funding

For candidates with an appropriate academic background, scholarships are available from the University of Otago and BEC group staff with project specific scholarship funding. In addition to these scholarships, a large number of more specific scholarships are also available, and details on these can be obtained from the Otago Scholarship Database. It is important to note that the tuition fees for students outside of New Zealand, Australia, France and Germany are substantial (approx. US$10,000 per annum for a PhD student) and most local scholarships do not cover these.

Students from New Zealand

In general, PhD scholarships provide a stipend of NZ$20,000 per annum (or NZ$25,000 for students with an outstanding academic record) and cover tuition fees currently set at around NZ$3,500 per annum, for a period of three years. The BEC group has some project specific scholarship funding available, or alternatively students can apply for an Otago Postgraduate Scholarship. Prospective students should make contact with BEC group staff to discuss scholarship options. The closing date for Otago scholarship applications (both PhD and MSc) is 1 November each year.

Students from Australia, France & Germany

The New Zealand government has a reciprocal agreement on tuition fees with the governments of Australia, France and Germany, and students from these countries can apply for Otago Postgraduate Scholarships on the same basis as a New Zealand student. Students from Australia, France and Germany pay the same tuition fees as a New Zealand student, and these are fully covered by a scholarship (see above).

Students from a Commonwealth Nation

Students from a Commonwealth country should consider applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship, since this provides an emolument plus economy class air travel, allowances for books and field trips as well as the payment of all university fees.

Students from Targeted Nations

The New Zealand government offers a range of NZAID postgraduate scholarships to students from targeted countries for study at New Zealand tertiary institutions. The scholarships have a developmental focus, and are designed to aid the social and economic development of eligible countries.

Other International Students

New Zealand Researchers

For New Zealand residents who have a PhD and wish to return from overseas to conduct research, postdoctoral fellowships are available from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST). If you qualify to apply for one of these fellowships and would like to undertake research with Ultracold Atoms Group, then please get in contact with us.