Expression of Interest for an MSc Thesis Project:
Analyses of Biomarkers for Supply Chain Optimisation in the Meat Industry
Project description:
This project will use biochemistry, physiology and molecular methods to optimise the supply
chain of a major meat species to improve its quality and shelf life attributes. Biomarker
measurements on-farm for the target species will be taken to establish baseline data and to
investigate sources of variation, such as seasonality on a range of attributes. These
biomarkers will be used to provide a better understanding of the effects of off-farm events
prior to slaughter.
The project is with an external R & D company with a strong track record in innovations for
the meat industry sector. The position, will provide a tax-free stipend of $20,000 for a 12
month duration covering the research from the Callaghan Innovation R & D Fellowship Fund
(http://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/student-grants/rd-fellowship-grants) if successful.
Potential Research Start Date: From B Semester start (late July) to October/November at
the latest. For those just starting your masters you will need to do the research thesis first,
with your papers in the final year.
Potential University of Waikato supervisors:
Associate Professor Nick Ling http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/people/nling
Dr Linda Peters http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/people/lpeters
Dr Steve Bird http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/about-us/people/sbird
Candidate description:
The ideal candidate will be dedicated and enthusiastic, happy to work in a team and able to
work independently as required. A minimum of a B+ in your final year of your BSc or from
your first year of your masters is preferred.
You will need to be comfortable working with and collecting samples from live animals, as
well as samples post-mortem (e.g. abattoir) to undertake this research programme.
To register or ask for more information please contact: Dr John Tyrrell
[email protected] (07 858 5122 or 021 986 967).