ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group addressing the functional role of silicon in plant biology. Their research focuses on ecological applications for pest / disease resistance and adaptation to global climate change. Grasses, including the three cereals that provide 42% of human calories, are hyperaccumulators of silicon. There is increasing recognition that silicon accumulation in plant tissues plays an important role in alleviating diverse stresses, including attack by pests and pathogens. Production losses to insect pests in rice, maize and wheat are predicted to increase by 10-25% with every degree in global warming. Will silicon defences be effective under future climates, including rising CO2 and global air temperatures? The project will address these questions using multi-disciplinary approaches incorporating entomology, plant physiology, plant chemistry and agronomy. 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. The project will be based at HIE with the opportunity to work with the supervisors on ecological adaptations to global threats to crop productivity.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $31,500(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 $31,500 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver. • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the 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 entomology, plant ecophysiology and plant chemistry.
The project is particularly suitable for candidates with strong interests in entomology, plant biology and global climate change. The successful applicants 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 international qualifications.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to ecology, plant biology and/or entomology.
• have an understanding of the importance of plant biology and environmental stresses.
• be willing to learn analytical techniques applicable to plant physiology and chemistry.
• 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 : 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, contact the Lead Researcher; Associate Professor Scott Johnson: [Email Address Removed]
For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School: [Email Address Removed]
Use the email subject line: Application PS2023_028_HIE Closing date: 30 June 2023
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
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