About the Project
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering one postgraduate research scholarship to an ambitious PhD candidate for a 3-year PhD program of research to commence in 2027.
The candidate will investigate and generate new knowledge of mechanisms controlling complex mango fruit colour and quality, as well as their interactions with the environment at a crop level. The project is funded by Horticulture Innovation, an industry-led 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 crop mango. The scholar will utilise genomics, molecular, biochemical, synthetic and genetic engineering approaches to characterise gene functions in 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 valuable sensory traits at a crop level are seeking a motivated domestic and international PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary research project investigating innovative approaches to improve nutrient management, soil health, and agricultural sustainability.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,550 (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 $35,550 (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.
- International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia.
ELIGIBLITY 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 Master’s 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.
- 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
- Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.
- Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Online Portal.
- Once your EOI is approved, log back into the Online Portal and submit your completed application by the application deadline.
Incomplete application and that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researchers; A/Professor Chris Cazzonelli C.Cazzonelli@westernsydney.edu.au
Applications close 30 September 2026
Scholarship reference code: PS2026_076_CS0930016_HIE
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
.jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg){kind=logo}
