PhD in Biosecurity and Oriental Fruit Fly Management at James Cook University James Cook University in Australia

PhD opportunity in Biosecurity at James Cook University

This PhD project is based at James Cook University in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, with substantial fieldwork in Papua New Guinea. The project sits within the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity and focuses on Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) management in the Papua New Guinea Treaty Villages.

The research is highly applied and combines biosecurity, agriculture, entomology, food security, and field experimentation. The student will review existing fruit fly management methods and design an experiment to evaluate approaches such as bait spraying and Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) blocking in remote tropical village settings. The project may also extend into population modelling, social science, genetics, or plant host biology, depending on the student’s interests and the direction of the research.

The project is led by Professor Lori Lach at James Cook University, with a secondary JCU supervisor to be determined and collaboration from Matthew Calverley at the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The wider project involves government and international partners, including work with PNG and Australian biosecurity stakeholders.

Funding includes a $40,000 tax-free stipend per year for 3.5 years, plus travel support for training retreats, centre forums, and related activities. The project also offers hands-on placement opportunities with partner organisations and fieldwork in remote locations, including the Treaty Villages and Paho Island.

Eligibility highlights include experience in plant health, entomology, or a related field; the ability to design and conduct field experiments; statistical analysis of biological data; and strong written and oral communication skills. Applicants should also be comfortable working in hot, humid, remote environments and travelling by small boat and camping in the field. The post states that the team is seeking an Australian domestic student.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 15 July 2026. Interested candidates should use the project page to submit an EOI and follow the instructions provided there.