Studentship Agr Paid

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The role and opportunity

• At AgResearch, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand's pastoral, agrifood, and agritechnology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

About the Project

Host Institution:
University of Otago, Department of Food Science, Dunedin, New Zealand

Supervisor(s): Prof Phil Bremer and Dr Aswathi Soni

Start date: 1 July 2023, or as soon as practicable

Duration: 36 months

Funding:
NZD$30,696 stipend + domestic tuition fees per annum for 3 years

_Funding Notes_

• International PhD students pay tuition fees at the New Zealand domestic rate, provided that the students reside in New Zealand and study under a New Zealand student visa._

What you will be doing
NZ offal can be considered superfoods due to their high levels of iron and micronutrients. However, cost-effective interventions to ensure a suitable shelf-life for offal originating from slaughterhouses and micro-abattoirs are lacking.

The student will investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of an emerging technology known as cold plasma based disinfection to increase microbial safety and shelf-life of offal meat.

The overall goal is to develop a sustainable solution for disinfection and value generation from offal meat.

Kaitiakitanga is a core value of the stakeholder involved in this research: caring for the land, natural environment, and people.

Māori students are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Eligibility

• Equivalent of a New Zealand 1st class Honours degree or a MSc degree (both with a significant research component) in either food science, food technology, or chemistry with a minimum GPA in the A range (US equivalent). A strong publication track record is also preferable.
• Personal attributes and behaviours:

- good interpersonal skills
- good communication skills in both academic and industrial environments
- demonstrated ability to undertake self-directed research activities
- demonstrated ability to write scientific publications
- an understanding of microbiology, food science, meat science, and processing technologies
- experience in microbiology techniques; in particular, working with PC2 grade food-borne pathogens is desirable, but not compulsory

How to apply

• This role will suit a passionate, talented and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation.
• A detailed CV
• The names and contact details of two referees
• A certified copy of your academic transcript(s)
• A PDF copy of your research dissertation or thesis (if available)
• A written statement words) outlining why this project interests you and how you meet the selection criteria
• Further documentation may be required upon request.

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