1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 From: Finnigan Illsley-Kemp <finnigan.illsleykemp@xxxxxxxxx> and Martha Savage <martha.savage@xxxxxxxxx> We are looking for two PhD candidates to work on a newly funded project on machine learning in volcano geophysics. The deadline to apply is *1 Sept. 2025* One PhD student will study the long-term geophysical behaviour of New Zealandâ??s active volcanoes. The student will join our volcanic hazards research group at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and play a key role in a government funded research programme aiming to forecast volcanic eruptions. In this PhD research programme you will apply cutting-edge analysis tools to the large amount of volcano monitoring data in New Zealand. This will reveal long-term patterns in monitoring signals during volcanic unrest events and in the lead-up to past eruptions. By studying in New Zealandâ??s capital city you will have the opportunity to work alongside frontline emergency management practitioners and volcano scientists. This will include conducting real-time research into any volcanic eruptions or unrest events that may occur during your study. There will also be multiple opportunities for fieldwork in locations across New Zealand. You will be a self-motivated, and well-organised student with appropriate qualifications in Earth Science, Physics, or Data Science. Skills in Python programming are highly desirable, as are skills in both verbal and written communication in English. The PhD programme will be supervised by Dr Finnigan Illsley-Kemp and Prof. Martha Savage and includes a PhD stipend of $35,000 NZD per year for three years, with the opportunity of funding for a further 6â??12 months. All tuition fees are covered and there is financial support for conference attendance, and a research placement with colleagues in Europe. The position is based in the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, with start dates flexible after *October 1st 2025*. Please contact Finnigan Illsley-Kemp ( finnigan.illsleykemp@xxxxxxxxx) with initial interest, a CV and transcript. Final applications will be evaluated after 1st September 2025. The Link is here: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/phd-scholarship-in-volcano-geophysics/?p186219 The other studentâ??s PhD research will be focused on applying state-of-the-art machine learning methods, specifically diffusion models, to forecast volcanic activities in New Zealand. The successful candidate will join our multidisciplinary volcanic hazards research group at Victoria University of Wellington and will contribute significantly to a government-funded research initiative aimed at developing robust and accurate volcanic eruption forecasts. In this PhD project, you will develop and deploy advanced diffusion-based machine learning models to analyze extensive datasets of multi-sensory volcano monitoring signals collected across the world. Your research will enable the identification and interpretation of intricate patterns associated with volcanic unrest, significantly enhancing our predictive understanding of eruption dynamics. Working in Wellington, New Zealandâ??s capital city, provides a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with emergency management agencies and volcano scientists, participating directly in real-time response research during volcanic events. There will also be multiple opportunities for fieldwork in locations across New Zealand. We seek candidates who are highly motivated, organized, and have excellent communication skills in both verbal and written English. Applicants should hold suitable qualifications in Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Strong Python programming skills are essential. Publications in top-tier conferences/journals are desirable. Previous knowledge or experience related to volcanology or geophysical phenomena would be advantageous, but is not required. The PhD program will be supervised by Prof. Bastiaan Kleijn, Dr. Felix Yan, and Dr. Finnigan Illsley Kemp. The scholarship provides a stipend of NZ$35,000 per year for three years, with potential funding extension for an additional 6â??12 months. All tuition fees are fully covered, along with financial support for international conference attendance and research collaboration visits in Europe. The position is based in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Victoria University of Wellington, with flexible start dates from October 1st, 2025 onwards. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Felix Yan (felix.yan@xxxxxxxxx) for informal inquiries and formal submissions. Formal applications require your CV, transcripts, Master's thesis, and publications. *Applications will be reviewed after September 1st, 2025* https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/phd-scholarship-in-machine-learning-for-volcanic-activity-forecasting/?p186220 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 ------------------------------
