Two Funded PhD Scholarships in Machine Learning and Geospatial Science Available

We have two funded PhD scholarships available on the BioWhere project.

PhD 1 will focus on the development of methods to parse natural language text and will then use a range of machine/deep learning methods to georeference location descriptions from biological collections, including those held by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. A strong technical (computer science) background is essential, with skills in deep learning and natural language processing and/or geographic information/geospatial science an advantage.

PhD 2 will design and develop a self-learning gazetteer for New Zealand place names, with a particular focus on Māori place names, resolving a range of technical issues including matching place names and resolving inconsistent duplicate data. In addition, the student will work with iwi and hapū to elicit requirements for the gazetter and to collect place name data. This studentship requires technical (computer science) skills, including knowledge of databases and programming, with skills in deep/machine learning, natural language processing and/or geographic information/geospatial science an advantage. In addition, a willingness to apply social science research methods and work with stakeholders is essential. Knowledge of te Reo and te Ao Māori would be an advantage.

The scholarships will provide a stipend of NZ$27,500 and cover tuition fees. Applicants need to meet the University requirements for entry into the PhD programme, including a postgraduate degree in computer science, geospatial science with a strong computational element, or similar.

More details can be found here, and questions can be directed to Dr Kristin Stock.