Two PhD Scholarships in Plant Molecular Biology and Horticultural Tree Genomics

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering two postgraduate research scholarships to ambitious PhD candidates for a 3-year PhD program of research to commence in 2025. The candidates will investigate and generate new knowledge of mechanisms controlling complex traits such as flowering, bud dormancy, fruit colour and quality, as well as their interactions with the environment at a crop level.

The project is funded by Horticulture Innovation and Western Sydney University’s Graduate Research School, an industryled project focussed on GENETICS FOR NEXT GENERATION ORCHARDS. The scholar will advance gene annotations, characterise gene functions, decipher regulatory mechanisms, and understand genetic variability in the target crops almond and mango. The scholar will utilise viral induced gene regulation, tissue culture, synthetic and genetic engineering approaches to characterise gene functions in model plant systems.

The mission is to develop molecular marker tools for breeders, growers, and scientists to expedite the selection of new crop cultivars, adding substantial value to industries currently worth $3 billion annually and ensure long-term viability, profitability, and global competitiveness in next generation orchard systems.

The HIE is a premier research institute within Western Sydney University has a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality and has become a leader in plant biology, horticulture, agricultural ecology, and global change biology. The project will be based at HIE with an opportunity to work with academic and industry partners on interrelationships between genetic, molecular, physiological, cellular, and biochemical processes modulating desirable traits at a crop level.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,192 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,192 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

[International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.]

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in next generation tree crop orchard systems. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in understanding the genomic regulation of desirable plant traits at the molecular, epigenetic, biochemical, and physiological levels that can facilitate molecular marker development for plant breeding programs.

The successful applicant should:

• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to plant molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, physiology, agriculture, and/or horticulture.
• Demonstrate an exceptional interest and understanding of plant molecular biology, functional genomics, and molecular marker development for tree crop breeding programs.
• Be willing to learn bioinformatics techniques applicable to plant genomics.
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and be creative.
• Have proven data analysis experience.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application via the link: https://tinyurl.com/bdexk5p2

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.

• Note: You do not need to complete ‘Step 5: Submit an online application for admission’ when applying for this scholarship. You must complete ‘Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship’.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher; Assoc. Prof. Chris Cazzonelli: [email protected]

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

• Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
• Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Use the email subject line: Application PS2024_108_HIE

Closing date: 31 October 2024

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).