2023 An exploration of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) as a new crop for Western Australia – The School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Curtin University, Australia

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Perth, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Status: Closed

Applications open: 1/04/2023
Applications close: 30/04/2023

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About this scholarship

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences, at Curtin University, is offering two competitive scholarships for students to study for their PhD in an agriculture-focused subject area within the Discipline of Agriculture & Food. The scholarships aim to support applied, industry-focused, agricultural research and development at Curtin University and to strengthen capacity in key strategic areas of the university and its partners.

Project Description

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius ) is an annual plant in the daisy family that is grown for seed oil. The oil has valuable food and industrial end uses. Safflower can be used in rotations to break the lifecycle of cereal root diseases, and its deep and extensive root system can improve soils and sequester carbon. Safflower represents a significant new agricultural industry that can benefit Australian farming systems' economic viability and sustainability. It has been grown in Australia for several decades but remains a minor crop typically grown only in warmer northern regions. Growers in southern Australia have been experimenting with Safflower and have encountered problems with poorly adapted varieties and a lack of agronomic information.

This project will involve a multi-environment trial and agronomic field experiments to address key knowledge gaps that currently limit the Safflower industry in southwestern Australia. The multi-environment trial will be conducted over three years throughout the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It will investigate genetically diverse Safflower germplasm sourced from the Australian Grains Genebank and provide reliable quantitative information regarding the Safflower varieties best adapted to the region and their likely productivity. The agronomic experiments will be designed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and aim to address major industry challenges.  They will likely focus on areas such as optimum sowing date, crop water use, root architecture and potential carbon sequestration, crop ecophysiology, and pest and disease. The project will provide essential information for assessing the potential of Safflower as a new crop for southwestern Australia and facilitate industry development.


  • Future Students

  • Faculty of Science & Engineering
    • Science courses

  • Higher Degree by Research

  • Australian Citizen
  • Australian Permanent Resident
  • New Zealand Citizen
  • Permanent Humanitarian Visa
  • International Student

  • Merit Based

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of $32,250.00 per annum pro rata (tax free), this amount will be indexed annually. The total value of the annual scholarships (stipend and fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a. Applicants will be supported in applying for supplemental funding.

The duration of the award shall be for three years with a possible extension of up to six months (maximum), assessed on a case-by case basis.


Scholarship Details

1


The candidate must meet minimum English language requirements and have a C-class Australian license (or equivalent) and be comfortable driving and working in remote locations. 

Experience in both laboratory and field research, as well as data collection and analysis, are highly desirable. Experience with crop modeling software, statistical analysis, and data manipulation in RStudio is highly desirable.


Application process

Please contact us via the EOI form .

The EOI form supports the submission of the CV, academic transcripts, research experience, publication outputs and referees.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to contact the listed project lead with their current curriculum vitae, a summary of their research skills and experience and the reason they are interested in this specific project.


Enrolment Requirements

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.


Enquiries

A/Prof Sarita Bennett

Agriculture & Food Discipline Lead

[email protected]



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