Enhancing Crop Resilience through Genome Editing: Overcoming Genetic Limitations; Project opportunity: This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
This PhD project aims to develop future crops with optimised root and shoot architecture by overcoming genetic constraints that currently restrict their potential. Exploiting advances in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and genome editing, this project expects to advance understanding of the biology and genetic controls of root and shoot development and responses to concurrent stressors, such as drought and nutrient deficiency.
It is anticipated that project outcomes will support the development of crops equipped with novel trait combinations, enhancing resource-use efficiency and yield stability amid climate variability. This globally relevant research is designed to benefit the sustainability and profitability of the Australian grains industry.
Scholarship value
As a scholarship recipient, you’ll receive:
- living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered
- single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Supervisor
Professor Lee Hickey
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Email: l.hickey@uq.edu.au
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of genetics and crop physiology would be of benefit to someone working on this project. The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of plant breeding or genetics and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of genome editing is highly desirable.
Latest commencement date
If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2025. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.
How to apply
To apply, email a cover letter & CV: l.hickey@uq.edu.au