PhD in Cannabis Policy and Public Health at Massey University, New Zealand

Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand, is offering a prestigious three-year funded PhD scholarship focused on the intersection of cannabis policy and the commercial determinants of health. This opportunity, supported by the Royal Society Te Apārangi Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, invites doctoral candidates to explore how market dynamics and regulatory frameworks influence public health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on health equity and social justice. The research will be based at the SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, within the NZ Drug Research Team, and will be supervised by Associate Professor Marta Rychert. The successful candidate will have the flexibility to develop their own PhD project aligned with the broader research programme, which examines cannabis legalisation reforms and their impact on public health. The research will utilize interdisciplinary methods, including social media analysis, digital media monitoring, surveys of cannabis consumers and vapers, and interviews with policy stakeholders. Key themes include the influence of commercial actors on policy-making, the integration of advocacy and communication principles, and the analysis of industry narratives in digital spaces. Applicants should have a strong academic background in public health, drug policy, digital marketing, media studies, or related social science disciplines such as law, economics, or business. Familiarity with cannabis policy and commercial determinants of health frameworks is highly desirable. Both domestic and international candidates are encouraged to apply, though international students must relocate to Auckland. Hybrid working arrangements may be negotiated after an initial onboarding period. The scholarship provides a generous annual stipend of $35,000 NZD (tax-free) and covers doctoral fees for three years. The programme aims to appoint the successful candidate by May 2026, with applications closing on March 20, 2026. The selected scholar will be an integral part of a world-class research team, contributing to both their own doctoral research and the broader project, and will be supported in publishing their findings in peer-reviewed journals. To apply, candidates should review the eligibility criteria, prepare a CV, academic transcript, writing sample, and a brief statement of interest, and submit these materials to Associate Professor Marta Rychert at [email protected]. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in early April 2026. For more information, visit the official recruitment page or the SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre website.