PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Cannabis Policy & Public Health

We are offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of a New Zealand Royal Society Te Apārangi Rutherford Discovery Fellowship–funded research programme examining cannabis legalisation through the lens of commercial determinants of health. The successful candidate will develop their own PhD project aligned with the programme, with flexibility to pursue personal research interests. The research programme investigates how the new legal cannabis industry shapes the information environment, lobby and influence regulatory processes, and promote industry-friendly narratives in digital spaces. Applicants with backgrounds in public health, drug policy, social sciences, media studies, business, and digital marketing are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with cannabis policy or commercial determinants of health is an advantage. The PhD will be based at the NZ Drug Research Team, SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, Massey University (Albany campus, Auckland). International applicants are welcome but must relocate to New Zealand. Supervision will be provided by Associate Professor Marta Rychert, alongside senior researchers.