PhD Studentship - Animal Genomics

.

Position:           PhD Student 

Location:          Bioeconomy Science Institute, Invermay, Mosgiel  

Scholarship:    Annual Stipend - $39,000, tuition fees 

• Fixed term - 3 years
• Full time
• Due to funding availability, the position requires commencement before 1 May 2026. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand for the duration of the appointment and be available to start by this date.

Please note that AgResearch is unable to provide support for relocation and visa activities.

As part of the Government’s reset of the science, innovation and technology system, on 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale, with over 2,000 employees — including scientists, researchers, and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate, alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing, agritech and biotech, and the food and fibre sectors.

Our people drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment, and positive social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

This position sits under the current AgResearch group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Bioeconomy Science Institute 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 Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Ltd). The SoF is a seven-year funded programme finishing in June 2029 with Bioeconomy Science Institute 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 Aims

The SoF programme is generating large amounts of traditional and novel phenotypic 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 to develop a project focusing on:

• Body composition and impact on production, disease, and efficiency (feed intake and methane).
• Data from CT scanning, on-farm production, residual feed intake and methane measures from a diverse range of shedding, strong wool and fine wool sheep.
• Industry applicable outcomes that can be incorporated into breeding programmes.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team that spans industry (Focus Genetics and Pāmu) and research (Bioeconomy Science Institute, but 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, but likely Massey University, Otago University or Auckland University. A representative from Focus Genetics will also be a co-supervisor to ensure that the PhD focusses 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.

.

Ōpūmanawa | About you

• Appropriate 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 application of research to drive change within the systems.
  
  
• Due to funding availability, the position requires commencement before 1 May 2026. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand for the duration of the appointment and be available to start by this date.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

You will be part of a passionate and supportive team, working in an environment where your skills make a direct impact. We offer: 

• The opportunity to support world-class science in a role that truly matters. 
• A culture that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. 
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace guided by our organisational values. 

.

Tono Mai | Apply Now!

If this sounds like you, and you are searching for a rewarding opportunity with real purpose, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today on the link below with a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.  

 For further information, please contact Tricia Johnson, Science Team Leader – Animal Genomics – tricia.johnson@agresearch.co.nz

Applications close Sunday 15th March 2026.

.