Plant Virology and Modelling PhD Top Up Scholarships, University of Western Australia (UWA)

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Listed: 8 months ago (updated: 7 months ago)

Country: Australia

Category: Scholarship

Program: Postgraduate,PhD

Field: Biology,Management,Science

Title
Plant Virology and Modelling PhD Top Up Scholarships
Description
We are seeking highly motivated students to investigate two exciting PhD projects that will use cutting edge techniques to obtain a deeper understanding of an aphid-borne virus disease causing epidemics that threaten the viability of Australias $64m/year field pea industry. Researchers have found infection with Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) to be very widespread in commercial field pea crops and seed stocks in the WA and eastern states grainbelts.  The virus seriously reduces field pea seed yields, damages seed quality, and limits the area where the crop can be sown profitably. Obtaining an improved understanding of the PSbMV - field pea pathosystem is vital to ensure a sustainable and viable long-term field pea industry in Australia. These two PhD projects will not only provide exposure to stimulating and interesting science but also help the field pea industry by providing effective management solutions for the disease.
  • PhD project 1: Understanding Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) epidemics in field pea: whole genome virus phylogeny, resistance gene expression, and factors that influence transmission by aphid vectors.

  • PhD project 2: Modelling Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) epidemics in field pea: collection of field data on factors influencing PSbMV and its aphid vectors, and construction of a predictive model and Decision Support System (DSS)
Applicants should apply for a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) PhD scholarship (Grains Industry Research Scholarships GRS) stipend via the "How to Apply Link".  The GRDC will require that a person who applies for it also applies for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scholarship or equivalent. GRDC will also provide additional support for student operating which will be $10,000 a year. The GRDC will extend the duration of the scholarship from three to three and a half years with the option of a further six-month extension.
Payment type
Top Up Scholarship
Value
$17154
Value unit
Per annum
Basis of award
Academic Achievement
Eligibility
  • Applicants must also apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (or equivalent).

Applicants for this project should expect to gain or hold a first class or high 2A honours degree, or equivalent, in plant biology, preferably with interest in the disciplines of plant virology, entomology or modelling.

  • Applicants must be eligible for admission to the PhD program at The University of Western Australia.
  • Applications should include evidence of qualifications and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic referees.
  • For further information about these projects, or to submit an application, contact:

  • Prof Roger Jones, Prof in Plant Virology, School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia. Phone: (08) 9368 3269; email: roger.jones@uwa.edu.au
or
  • A/Michael Renton, A/Prof in Modelling, School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia. Phone: (08) 6488 1959; email: michael.renton@uwa.edu.au
Nationality
Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident
Study area
Plant Biology, Agricultural Science, Botany, Plant Science
Commencement date
07/01/2013
Applications open
01/08/2012
Applications close
26/09/2012
Tenable At
University of Western Australia
Currently available
Yes
Application status
Closed


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Listed 8 months ago

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