A multi-plant study investigating the effect of interventions on food safety culture maturity

Overview

Make a real-world impact on food safety.

Ready to translate your passion for the food industry into real-world impact? We are seeking an exceptional PhD candidate to lead a groundbreaking project in partnership with the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre.

The challenge

We know a company’s culture is the number one factor in preventing food safety failures. But how do you actually improve that culture effectively? This is a major gap in current knowledge, and you can help fill it by building on cutting-edge research to discover what actually works.

Your project

This isn't just a theoretical project. You will be on the ground, working directly with leading food manufacturing companies to drive real change. You will deploy validated assessment tools and then apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning models to analyse the results, identifying hidden patterns and critical gaps in each plant's Food Safety Culture (FSC).

Based on this deep, data-driven analysis, you will design and roll out targeted interventions. Finally, you will measure their impact and combine your powerful quantitative findings with rich qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups to build a comprehensive new understanding of what drives successful culture change in the food industry.

Why this research matters

Your work will provide a blueprint for the food industry. You will make a significant contribution by:

• Adding vital new knowledge to the limited literature on effective FSC interventions
• Assessing the impact of varying numbers and types of intervention strategies
• Providing unique insights into how culture varies and changes across different plants within an organisation

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a curious, driven, proactive individual with excellent communication skills.

Eligibility

You must have the equivalent of a New Zealand 1st class Honours degree or a Master's degree, with a significant research component. We welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines.

Personal attributes

You are a great communicator, comfortable in both academic and commercial environments, and have demonstrated the ability to undertake self-directed research and write for scientific publications.

Advantageous skills

A strong background in Psychology, Behaviour change, Management, Food Science, or a related field.

Scholarship package and support

• A tax-free stipend of NZD$33,624 per annum for 3 years
• Full coverage of domestic PhD tuition fees for 36 months (excludes student services fee and insurance). (Note: International students pay domestic fees provided they reside and study in NZ on a valid student visa)
• Expert supervision from a collaborative team at the University of Otago and Massey University
• The opportunity to work directly with industry representatives and the NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should email the following documents to the Food Science Department.
Email foodscience.office@otago.ac.nz

Please include the project code: FSC-PHD-2025 in your subject line.

Your application must include:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A written statement (300–500 words) outlining why this project interests you and how you meet the selection criteria
• A certified copy of your academic transcripts
• The names and contact details of two referees
• Information on your Master's or Honours thesis (length, time to complete, per cent of overall programme) and a PDF copy of the thesis if available
• Evidence of English language ability as per University of Otago policy

Applications close on 15 August 2025, or as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago