Development of a smart sensing platform for quality assessment and shelf-life prediction of Australian vacuum-packed red meat

About the research project

The integrity and market value of Australian red meat depend on maintaining product quality throughout domestic and export cold chains. Temperature and storage duration are key determinants of the shelf-life of vacuum-packed beef and lamb. Previous research has supported the development of a predictive shelf-life tool (known as ‘Shelf-Life Calculator for Red Meat’), which uses initial microbial loads and time–temperature history to estimate the remaining shelf-life of products in supply chains.

This project will build on existing knowledge of microbial spoilage in vacuum-packed red meat to investigate whether smart sensing technologies can provide an objective assessment of the current quality status of vacuum-packed red meat. The work will involve controlled storage studies, collection of sensor data, and comparison with sensory, microbiological and physicochemical measurements. Data-driven modelling will be used to determine whether sensing measurements can distinguish different stages of shelf-life and complement predictions based on microbial and time–temperature information. The project aims to deliver a laboratory-validated prototype and establish the feasibility of integrating real-time product-quality measurements with existing shelf-life prediction tools to improve estimates of remaining shelf-life in supply chains.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jay Kocharunchitt

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master by Research)
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants
• Applications are open to applicants from Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, Food Science, Data Science or a closely related discipline.
• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus and on a full-time basis
• English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Demonstrate research and analytical skills in a relevant discipline.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with statistical analysis, mathematical modelling or data-driven modelling.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Jay Kocharunchitt to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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