Sustainable approaches to improve cotton productivity

Western Sydney University (WSU) is offering two research scholarships under the joint WSU-Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) initiative to highly motivated PhD candidates to work within a research group addressing how emerging plant, microbial, soil and molecular approaches can sustainably enhance cotton productivity. The projects will focus on any topics below:

1. Climate change adaptation
2. Molecular and synthetic biology, biochemical and/ or microbiome approaches to mitigate biotic (e.g. diseases) and abiotic (water and nutrient) stresses
3. Technology-driven innovation for sustainable cotton farming and agribusinesses
4. Improving soil science health
5. Crop physiology

The first project under this scheme will be based at Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) with the opportunity to work with the supervisor on soil science, plant pathology, agronomy, nutrient management, plant physiology and molecular biology, and any other discipline linked to cotton farming. The second project can be based on any unit (including HIE) of the Western Sydney University depending on the preferred topic of selected candidates.

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

1. Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
2. International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,000(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.
3. Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration their study in Australia. The Scholarship will provide funding for a single Overseas Student Health Cover policy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in cotton farming systems.

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 Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to any of topics listed above.
• be willing to learn analytical techniques applicable to the discipline.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application via the link : https://tinyurl.com/yz2frwhu

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

• 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; Distinguished Prof. Brajesh Singh - [Email Address Removed]

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_060_HIE

Closing date: 30 September 2024

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