UTS_Faculty Science PhD - Improving the representation of C4 photosynthesis in vegetation models

C₄ photosynthesis underpins some of the world’s most productive crops (e.g., maize, sugarcane) and grasslands. It is also the most efficient pathway for converting CO₂ and sunlight into plant biomass. Yet, despite its global importance, C₄ physiology and acclimation processes remain poorly represented in most vegetation and land surface models. 

This project aims to advance our understanding of C₄ photosynthesis and improve predictions of C₄ plant performance across Australia and globally. Outcomes will include more accurate estimates of C₄ productivity and carbon uptake, with significant implications for climate change projections, land use planning, and food security.

The project will use a combination of leaf‑level measurements, physiological model development, and large‑scale ecosystem modelling and evaluation to achieve these aims.

The candidate will help address the following core objectives:

1) Leverage newly collected and existing datasets to evaluate and improve the parameterisation of C₄ photosynthesis models at the leaf level, including their temperature sensitivities and responses to environmental drivers.

2) Implement the improved C₄ photosynthesis formulation into the Global Dynamic Vegetation Model LPJ-GUESS and evaluate model performance using eddy covariance and other observational datasets.

3) Assess large-scale carbon cycle implications of the revised model across Australia and globally.

The student will be supervised by Dr. Juergen Knauer at the University of Technology Sydney (https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Juergen.Knauer) and co-supervised by Professor Danielle Way at the Australian National University (https://biology.anu.edu.au/people/academics/danielle-way). The project is embedded in a strong interdisciplinary and international team with complementary expertise in plant physiology, biochemistry, phenotyping, ecosystem modelling, and carbon cycling. The student will also have opportunities to engage with researchers working on large scale land surface and Earth system modelling, including modelling frameworks such as ACCESS, CABLE-POP, as well as the broader LPJ-GUESS community.

Selection Criteria

• A BSc with Honours or an MSc in environmental science, ecology, biology, or a related field. 

• A strong academic record.

• Existing programming experience (e.g. R, python, C++, Fortran) and a willingness to learn C++ during the PhD.

Eligibilty

Applicants can be both International or domestic students - either Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this application, applicants must have completed a UTS recognised degree in

• MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months,

• or Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, or 2nd Class Division 1, or division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification,

• or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students need to apply for English tests as well.

How to apply?

Applicants should send a cover letter, full CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for 2 referees in a single PDF by e-mail to Dr Juergen Knauer ([Email Address Removed]). Applications are due by 31 March 2026 for full consideration. The application process is currently open and will continue to be open until all positions have been filled. We highly encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be advised with further details. Expected start date is August 2026, though this is flexible.

For further Information on application essentials please visit UTS Graduate Research applications.

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