Managing CO2 in Controlled Environment Cropping Systems to Optimise Yield; Project Information: The Crop Physiology Group in the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England (UNE) is seeking a PhD candidate to work on a Future Food Systems CRC funded research project. The project aims to define optimal CO2 level for growing tomatoes in high-input controlled environment settings.
Crop production in large, controlled environment facilities are traditionally high-input, resource and capital-intensive. Optimising input parameters is a major avenue for increasing yield and quality whilst reducing waste of precious resources. CO2levels are particularly critical for crop growth and yield but defining optimal levels in controlled environment cropping systems to manage yield is challenging. Production at sub- and supra-optimal CO2 incur crop yield, economic and environmental penalties.
Applicants are expected to have an excellent grade (>85% H1 or HD) in an Honours or a MSc research program, and proven skills in scientific writing, data analysis and publishing. Excellent candidates with interest and experience in crop science, botany, plant physiology or ecophysiology, and individuals underrepresented in STEM, from minority or marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Information: The successful candidate will be awarded a 4-year PhD scholarship at $35,000 p.a. tax free at UNE funded by Future Food Systems CRC, Costa Group and UNE. If an international candidate is successful, the University of New England will provide a Tuition Fee Scholarship which includes Overseas Health Cover (OSCH) for the term of the degree. This scholarship does not cover student services and amenities fees (SSAF).
The candidate will join the Crop Physiology Group at UNE Armidale and be primarily supervised by Dr Onoriode Coast (UNE), with Dr Suzy Rogiers (Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute) and Assoc. Prof Danielle Way (Australian National University) as co-supervisors.
The candidate will have a unique opportunity to focus on photosynthetic responses to CO2 at the leaf, plant and canopy levels with experiments conducted in laboratories at research institutes and a commercial growing facility.
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a 12-week industrial internship at Costa Group Guyra during this project. The successful candidate will be expected to commence in mid-2023.
Interested applicants please send a brief background of your research experience, your goals for a PhD project, curriculum vitae, and names with contact information (phone and email) of two references to Dr Onoriode Coast.
How to Apply
Interested applicants please send a brief background of your research experience, your goals for a PhD project, curriculum vitae, and names with contact information (phone and email) of two referees to Dr Onoriode Coast (ocoast@une.edu.au). Applications Close: 31 March 2023
Applicants must meet UNE’s admission requirements for a Masters/PhD program. Scholarship ID: I-02.23
This project will suit a student with a background in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or zoology. A love of field work is imperative and a desire to work with a range of taxa from plants and insects to reptiles and amphibians is ideal. Familiarity with statistics or a strong desire to master statistical techniques is crucial. The candidate should have a relevant background degree and demonstrated output in scientific outreach or publication is favourable.
Applications Close: 31 March 2023