Current jobs related to Phd Studentship - Dunedin, Otago - Agresearch

Position: PhD StudentLocation: AgResearch Invermay, MosgielScholarship: Annual Stipend - $39,000, tuition feesPlease note that AgResearch is unable to provide support for relocation and visa activities.At AgResearch, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of Aotearoa New Zealand's pastoral, agri-food, and Agri-Technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.
We are committed to evaluating science and the Matauranga Maori knowledge system as having equal potential value, and that they will help support building positive changes into farming practices and food production in New Zealand.The role and opportunityAgResearch is looking for a dedicated Animal Breeding PhD student to join our Animal Genomics Team based at their Invermay (Dunedin) campus.
This PhD will be aligned to and is funded by the "The New Zealand Sheep of the Future (SoF) Programme" which is a partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Focus Genetics, an independent subsidiary of Pamu (Landcorp Farming Ltd).
The SoF is a seven-year funded programme finishing in June 2029, with AgResearch as the Lead Science Provider for the Programme.
The overall aim of SoF is to redefine the New Zealand sheep sector of the future by breeding resilient fit-for-purpose animals for the economic, environmental, and social benefit of New Zealand.The long-term objectives of the programme are to:Increase the value of all sheep-based production systems and improve the viability of farming businesses through increased genetic diversity for climate adaptability and new farm system approaches.Availability of tools to support the sheep industry in meeting consumer expectations and NZ's obligations for greenhouse gas emission targets, environmental standards, and animal welfare.This is a fixed-term (3 years), full-time position during which time you will interact with colleagues, collaborators, and supervisors to design a complete plan, analyse and interpret data, publish scientific findings, and successfully defend your PhD thesis.
Some travel to work directly with Focus Genetics will be required.Project aimsThe SoF programme is generating large amounts of traditional and novel phenotypic (including feed efficiency, full body composition, heat stress, and immune competence) and genomic data, and we are seeking a PhD student who will develop their PhD programme around advancing the aims of the Sheep of the Future programme.
We are looking for the right candidate/s to develop projects focusing on:the genetic and genomic analysis of novel traits and their correlations with production traits, and/orbreeding scheme design and how to integrate non-economic traits that have ethical importance into selection indexes.You will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team that spans industry (Focus Genetics and Pamu) and research (AgResearch, and a University to be determined) delivering high-quality science outcomes relevant to industry.
The University and as such co-supervisors that this PhD will align to will be dependent on the skill set of the applicant and the direction the PhD is likely to take, but will either be Massey University or Otago University.
A representative from Focus Genetics will also be a co-supervisor to ensure that the PhD focuses on the aims of the SoF programme.
Over and above technical skills, we are looking for a candidate who has an interest in the application of those technical skills to industry to ensure that the objectives of the programme funding this PhD can be delivered on.Your ideal backgroundAppropriate undergraduate/Postgraduate qualification in Genetics/Genomics, Biology, Statistics, or similar related field that will allow you to enrol for a PhD.Knowledge of farming systems and a demonstrated interest in the application of research to drive change within the systems.How To ApplyThis role will suit a passionate, talented, and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation.
If this sounds like you, apply today using the link below, including a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.For further information, please contact Tricia Johnson, AgResearch Science Team Leader – Animal Genomics – 03 489 9168, ****** close: Sunday 23rd March 2025.
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