PhD Researcher
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The Organisations
Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) is tasked with delivering cutting-edge agricultural science and innovation to benefit the wider New Zealand economy. Our internationally recognised scientists work across the agricultural sectors in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, putting science and innovation at the forefront. We are proud to be a unique organisation that is driving prosperity by transforming agriculture.
Massey University is a leading New Zealand institution known for innovative research, flexible learning, and strong industry connections. Massey University is New Zealand’s premier institution for agricultural education and research, renowned for advancing food production, sustainability, agri-technology, biosecurity, and food-society relationships.
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The Project
The PhD project will contribute to the ‘Tools, Trust, and Treatment: Understanding Farmer and Industry Decision-Making to Improve Pasture/Forage Disease Management in New Zealand’ project.
This research is a transdisciplinary research that involves Plant Pathologists, Social Scientists, GIS-Scientists, Economists, Agribusiness, and Modellers from BSI-AgResearch and Massey University based in the Palmerston North, New Zealand.
This PhD research will inform a wider body of research work that aims to develop:
• A cost prediction model for the industry and farmers to understand the financial impact of forage and pasture diseases in NZ;
• A forage/pasture diseases climate model to prepare farmers in the pastoral industry to understand the impact climate change on evolving burden of forage and pasture diseases.
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The effective and efficient management of forage and pasture diseases is critical importance to the pastoral industry. These challenges posed by these diseases will be amplified by the climate change that is now occurring. A range of management strategies and tools already exist, but our understanding about how they are used, and potential barriers to more effective use is very limited. Without this knowledge we run the risk of consistently reinventing the wheel in the search for innovation solutions to disease identification and management, and consequently the proliferation of misaligned tools that do not enable effective decision making. The benefit for the industry is that this research will create a systematic understanding of decision-making practices and to create better aligned management tools.
The research will be undertaken within the Resilient Agriculture Science Group based at Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand, in conjunction with Massey’s University’s School of People, Environment and Planning, and School of Agriculture and Environment based on the Manawatū Campus.
To read more about the Bioeconomy Science Institute (previously known as AgResearch), Resilient Agriculture Science Group go to https://www.agresearch.co.nz/science-areas/plants-and-animals/plants/, and to learn more about Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning go to https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/colleges-schools-and-institutes/college-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/school-of-people-environment-and-planning/. The PhD candidate will be enrolled at Massey University and have supervisors from both Massey University and the Resilient Agriculture Science Group.
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The successful candidate will have:
MSc degree (or an equivalent qualification) in Agribusiness/Business, Economics, Agriculture, or related disciplines. Experience in modelling, designing surveys, delivering interactive engagement or workshop with industry groups would be an advantage. Minimum academic requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/about-postgraduate-study/phds-and-professional-doctorates/how-to-apply-for-a-doctoral-degree/.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Minimum English requirements for entry into the PhD programme at Massey University are available at https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/about-postgraduate-study/phds-and-professional-doctorates/how-to-apply-for-a-doctoral-degree/.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and willing to learn additional skills such as GIS relevant for this research and be diligent, resilient, and enthusiastic.
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How to apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply on-line via the link, or send an email to Associate Prof. Matthew Henry M.G.Henry@massey.ac.nz, Dr Kwasi Adusei-Fosu Kwasi.Adusei-Fosu@agresearch.co.nz, before the closing date of March 1, 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by Zoom/Teams/In-person.
The project is intended to start as soon as a suitable candidate is found. In your application, please include the following:
- A curriculum vitae.
- A motivation letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this project.
- A copy of your undergraduate and postgraduate academic certificates and transcripts.
- The contact details (preferably email addresses) of at least two academic referees.
For more information about the project, or for a confidential discussion, please contact: Dr Kwasi Adusei-Fosu, Senior Scientist & Science Team Leader, via email (Kwasi.Adusei-Fosu@agresearch.co.nz).
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