Doctoral Student

About Massey University

Massey University is known for its strong track record in innovation and leadership spanning business, creative arts, health, science, humanities, and social science. The institution has built a reputation for pioneering teaching, research, and community engagement, and offers a lively academic setting with opportunities to learn from experienced supervisors, work across disciplines, and connect with established research networks.

Role overview

This is a full-time, on-site doctoral opportunity at Massey University’s Manawatu campus in Turitea, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand. The PhD project will examine how different pasture compositions and farm management approaches affect dairy cow behaviour, welfare, and productivity.

The research will compare a conventional pasture system made up of perennial ryegrass and white clover with a more varied pasture blend containing 18 grass, legume, and herb species. It will also compare regenerative and contemporary management styles. The study will make use of wearable livestock technology, including GPS collars, behaviour sensors, and rumen boluses, to gather behavioural and physiological data across the three grazing and management conditions.

Data from cow collars will capture grazing activity, rumination, and location, while rumen boluses will record measures such as rumen pH, temperature, and water intake. The collected information will then be analysed and linked to welfare indicators. The work is intended to expand understanding of how standard and diverse pastures perform under regenerative and conventional grazing practices in New Zealand environments.

Scholarship and application note

Applicants for this doctoral role must also apply for a Massey University Doctoral Scholarship. Entry into the programme is available only to the successful candidate. For further details, candidates may contact Dr Ina Draganova at I.Draganova@massey.ac.nz.

Qualifications and research expectations

Candidates should hold a completed master’s degree with strong academic results in a relevant field. The role calls for proven research ability, including experience with literature review and analysis of large datasets. Strong writing and speaking skills are important for preparing academic papers and communicating research findings effectively.

The successful applicant should be organised, able to manage time well, work independently, and deliver milestones on schedule. A commitment to ethical research, receptiveness to supervision and feedback, and the ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary environments are also required. Familiarity with R statistical software and ArcGIS is especially relevant. The ideal candidate will also be motivated to contribute to meaningful research that addresses real-world challenges and advances knowledge.

Additional information

No stipend or salary amount was specified for this opportunity. The vacancy details did not include a listed closing date, start date, or number of openings.