PhD Scholarship – Defining fungal genomic regions to facilitate virulence gene isolation and co-locating their interactions within the genomic regions in the crop host

The PhD student will be involved in a recently awarded Category 1 research grant involving multiple research organizations and industry. The aim of the project is to provide barley breeders with key biological knowledge and new and innovative biological and genetic tools to improve and speed up the production of net form net blotch (NFNB) disease resistant barley varieties. Fungal diseases are among the most important factors limiting the quality and yield of barley, with net form net blotch, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, being particularly damaging. The most economically and environmentally friendly means to control crop diseases, such as NFNB, is to develop barley varieties with disease resistance. The PhD student will be involved in the identification of fungal virulence genes and their co-location in the host by making use of genetic mapping, bioinformatics, gene modification approaches and investigating the host/fungus interaction.

Value

• Stipend of AUD $35,000 p.a.
• Maximum period of tenure of an award is 3 years.

Eligibility

To be eligible applicants must:

• have completed a research-based Master’s degree in a discipline related to the project (e.g. plant genetics and genomics, plant pathology, gene modification);  
• be native English speakers and/or meet UniSQ’s English Language Requirements for International applicants;
• not be receiving equivalent support providing a benefit greater than 75% of the student’s stipend rate;
• be eligible to commence or continue a PhD Program as soon as possible in 2024.

Selection criteria

To be eligible applicants must:   

• Have a strong academic record and hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian research postgraduate degree;
• Have completed study and/or research experience in plant pathology, plant genetics/genomics and/or genome editing;
• Possess a good standing or potential to publish in high-quality journals in the related areas;
• Be enthusiastic, self-driven, and highly motivated;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

How to apply

To apply, please ensure you have digital copies of the below information:

• One page cover letter addressing the selection criteria;
• Curriculum vitae; encompassing any research presentations and/or publications;
• Education qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards);

Application must be made via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System  by the closing date.

If you require assistance in completing your application please download the Scholarship Online Application Manual .

Closing date
14 April 2024  
Further information

Further information about this scholarship can be obtained from A/Prof Anke Martin by emailing [email protected]

The PhD student will be involved in a recently awarded Category 1 research grant involving multiple research organizations and industry. The aim of the project is to provide barley breeders with key biological knowledge and new and innovative biological and genetic tools to improve and speed up the production of net form net blotch (NFNB) disease resistant barley varieties. Fungal diseases are among the most important factors limiting the quality and yield of barley, with net form net blotch, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, being particularly damaging. The most economically and environmentally friendly means to control crop diseases, such as NFNB, is to develop barley varieties with disease resistance. The PhD student will be involved in the identification of fungal virulence genes and their co-location in the host by making use of genetic mapping, bioinformatics, gene modification approaches and investigating the host/fungus interaction.

Value

• Stipend of AUD $35,000 p.a.
• Maximum period of tenure of an award is 3 years.

Eligibility

To be eligible applicants must:

• have completed a research-based Master’s degree in a discipline related to the project (e.g. plant genetics and genomics, plant pathology, gene modification);  
• be native English speakers and/or meet UniSQ’s English Language Requirements for International applicants;
• not be receiving equivalent support providing a benefit greater than 75% of the student’s stipend rate;
• be eligible to commence or continue a PhD Program as soon as possible in 2024.

Selection criteria

To be eligible applicants must:   

• Have a strong academic record and hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian research postgraduate degree;
• Have completed study and/or research experience in plant pathology, plant genetics/genomics and/or genome editing;
• Possess a good standing or potential to publish in high-quality journals in the related areas;
• Be enthusiastic, self-driven, and highly motivated;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

How to apply

To apply, please ensure you have digital copies of the below information:

• One page cover letter addressing the selection criteria;
• Curriculum vitae; encompassing any research presentations and/or publications;
• Education qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards);

Application must be made via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System  by the closing date.

If you require assistance in completing your application please download the Scholarship Online Application Manual .

Closing date
14 April 2024  

Further information

Further information about this scholarship can be obtained from A/Prof Anke Martin by emailing [email protected]