PhD in Plant Biosecurity and Fruit Fly Management in Papua New Guinea Treaty Villages James Cook University in Australia

PhD opportunity in plant biosecurity, fruit fly management, entomology, and applied field research at James Cook University through the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity.

This project focuses on the Treaty Villages Fruit Fly Trapping Program (TVFFTP) in Papua New Guinea, where Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) threatens local food crops and increases biosecurity risk for Torres Strait and mainland Australia. The PhD will investigate existing management methods and design an experiment to evaluate the most appropriate ways to reduce fruit fly populations in selected PNG Treaty Villages, including Jarai, Mari, Buzi, and Berr.

Research themes may include population modelling, social science (community uptake and cultural practices), genetics, plant host biology, and quantitative evaluation of management interventions. The student will review literature on methods such as bait spraying, Male Annihilation Technique (MAT), traps, toxicants, parasitoids, and entomopathogens, with a focus on suitability for remote tropical village settings.

The project is collaborative and involves the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Papua New Guinea’s Biosecurity Authority, INLOC’s South Fly Ranger Program, and other regional partners. The student will be based in Cairns, Queensland, and will work closely with scientists in Cairns and Canberra, with required placements in PNG and possible time in Port Moresby.

Funding is strong: the project offers a $40,000 tax-free stipend per year for 3.5 years, plus travel support for training retreats and centre forums, and generous research project funding. All students complete at least 12 months of placement with partner organisations.

Ideal applicants will have experience in plant health, entomology, or a related field, and preferably the ability to design and conduct field experiments, analyse biological data statistically, and communicate findings clearly. The role requires readiness to work in remote, hot, humid environments, including camping and small-boat travel.

Apply by submitting an expression of interest through the linked project page.