PhD Studentship on kiwifruit postharvest - Closing date: Fri 7 Dec 2012

The export of New Zealand kiwifruit is valued in excess of NZ$1 billion per annum, and is the most important fresh produce industry in the country.? A key component of the success of this industry is the development of a strong brand presence (Zespri?), which amongst many things, aims to differentiate New Zealand kiwifruit as of superior quality to that of the competitors. In order to deliver this superior quality consistently much effort is placed on the identification and elimination of poor quality product from the supply. Losses of kiwifruit in storage (due to development of poor quality) range between 3-10% annually. Reduction of the quantity of losses may be achievable if fruit which have a poor storage life are detectable at the time of harvest. It is well established that environmental conditions experienced by the fruit during development have a large impact on fruit quality and storage outcomes.? To date, with the exception of colour, most fruit quality measures are that of the flesh, ignoring the fact that inherently the fruit skin is directly in contact with the environment during development.? It is entirely possible that properties of the skin either directly affect fruit storability or provide information indicative of fruit storability. ?This project aims to apply potential skin measuring technologies (e.g. near infra-red spectroscopy; laser fringe projection; optical coherence tomogaphy) as data generators which may provide information on future fruit storability.? Depending on the direction of research, the project has the potential to require development of knowledge in a number of fields (e.g. fruit physiology, sensor technology, mathematical and statistical modelling). Massey University?s Centre for Postharvest and Refrigeration Research seeks candidates for a funded PhD studentship that aims to contribute to the detection of kiwifruit skin properties and the relation of the properties to fruit storability.? Massey University has a substantial history of providing fruit physiology and engineering research to New Zealand?s fresh produce sector.? The successful candidates will join a team of 2 researchers and 5 postgraduate students working in related kiwifruit postharvest projects. While linked, each project assesses separate issues and requires and develops different skills in the successful candidate.? ?The funding for the student stipend ($25,000/annum tax free + university fees) will be provided for a period of 3 years. In order to be eligible applicants must: hold an appropriate prerequisite degree(s) meet the eligibility requirements for PhD study at Massey University maintain the progress and behaviour expected of a PhD candidate It is unlikely that any candidate will currently have the complete mix of skills required for the research. As such suitable candidates for this project may come from plant physiology, horticulture, food technology, process engineering, sensor technology, or applied mathematical/statistical backgrounds.? The candidate will be expected to develop the missing skills from their current profiles as they progress through the PhD program. International students may apply. ? Stipend: NZ$25,000 (tax free) + university fees (est. $7500) for 3 years. Project Supervisors: Dr Andrew East. Location: Centre for Postharvest and Refrigeration Research, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Start date: Preferably by March 2013 Interested candidates please send your CV and a one-page summary of your proposed approach to Prof Julian Heyes, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442. Further background information is available from Prof. Heyes on request. Phone: (06) 350 5963 Email: j.a.heyes@massey.ac.nz Closing date: Fri 7 Dec 2012 ?