PLANT- MICROBIOME INTERACTIONS AND COMMUNICATION

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. HIE houses a team of over 50 academic research scientists and over 50 PhD students with access to a unique suite of world-class research facilities.
We are seeking to appoint a PhD student to focus on research related to plant- microbiome interactions and communication as part of a CRC-CARE project.

The project seeks to identify (a) the linkage of plant and soil microbiomes to plant physiological conditions, plant performance and soil health, and (b) Develop microbial indicators for types and efficiency of bioremediation in field conditions.

The project will use a range of analytical procedures including state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing, and soil microbiome and plant health measures to characterise how these variables impact microbiomes and their activities. The successful applicants will be trained in the broad areas of microbiomes and be able to analyse data from next-generation (amplicon and shotgun) sequencing. Statistical skills for analysing microbiome data are required, and relevant training will be provided to candidates with excellence in other areas of the project.

The successful candidate will have opportunity to improve the scope of the project and methodologies and will be expected to participate in training relevant to the position and communicate the findings of the project via journal publications and presentations at scientific conferences and to non-scientific audiences.

Criteria

Relevant professional experience in the broad area of ecology and soil science will be viewed favourably. As a minimum, 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 a 25% research component , (iii) a Research Masters degree or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
» Demonstrate strong academic performance in soil/plant ecology. » possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
» Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level in laboratory and field environments.
International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at www.westernsydney.edu.au/ international/home/admissions/entry_requirements

How to apply

Applicants should discuss their eligibility and interests with Prof Brajesh Singh [Email Address Removed]. Contact the Graduate Research School at [Email Address Removed].
Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two referees, and a one-page document stating how your research interests align with the project’s aims.