Scholarship overview
Key facts
Application dates
About the project
Animal welfare standards and regulations related to the management of pigs are changing in New Zealand. The use of conventional farrowing crates is being phased out, and pork
producers will be required to adopt alternative pen-based farrowing systems.
This PhD programme will use observational and experimental approaches to investigate solutions for commercial pork producers that meet the needs of sows and piglets. The scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
The areas within scope of this PhD may include:
- Sow and piglet performance monitoring in pen-based farrowing systems
- Behaviour observation and analysis
- Animal welfare assessment
- Management and stockpersonship
The programme will suit a candidate with a Masters qualification in Animal science, Animal welfare or behaviour, Veterinary science or Agriculture-related disciplines.
The ideal candidate will:
- be interested in animal welfare, animal behaviour and pig production
- have excellent scientific analytical and writing skills
- have good communication and interpersonal skills
- have knowledge and experience with relevant tools for data analysis
- be capable of on-farm data collection and working collaboratively across academic and industry teams
- be independent, take initiative, and have excellent time management
- have a full driver’s license
Expertise in machine learning and/or wearable sensor technology is an advantage, but not essential.
The position is open to both New Zealand and international applicants. Preference will be given to locally suitable candidate.
The candidate will be based within the Animal Science group in the School of Agriculture and Environment, at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Visit the following link for more details on PhD enrolment requirements at Massey University, including English language test requirements for international candidates.
Application requirements
Interested applicants are invited to send Dr Kirsty Chidgey their application (K.L.Chidgey@massey.ac.nz). Please provide a cover letter describing your research interests, skills and experiences, a curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic transcripts and the names and contact information of three academic referees. Closing date for applications is February 28 2026.
Contact
For further information, please contact Dr Kirsty Chidgey, Massey University
Start date
Flexible start date for 2026
Funding notes
This PhD is funded through the New Zealand Pork Industry Board. It includes an annual stipend of NZ$35,000 in addition to covering student tuition fees. The scholarship has a tenure of three years.
Application checklist
Include the following with your application:
- a cover letter describing your research interests, skills and experiences
- a curriculum vitae
- copies of relevant academic transcripts
- the names and contact information of three academic referees
New Zealand Pork Industry Board
New Zealand Pork is the statutory industry board that works to support New Zealand’s pork producers, building a sustainable future and ensuring high standards of animal welfare.