Soil and microbial amelioration to enhance the drought tolerance of crops

Change lives and change the world with an impactful PhD as a component of the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants, Future Drought Fund (Australian Government) project titled: South Australian Climate Resilience Discovery Farms and Innovator sites. A project delivering innovative science to improve the climate resilience of crops, livestock, soils and natural capital assessed through a network of long-term trials across the pastoral, low, medium, and high rainfall zones of South Australia.

• Receive a $40,000 (2024 full-time rate) per annum scholarship tax free, for up to 3.5 years.
• Apply and develop your research skills working with an experienced team of interdisciplinary researchers within Flinders University and SARDI.

This inspiring project involves:

• Engineering the soil microbiome to enhance soil health.
• Study the impact of diverse soil ameliorants/amendments on plant health and drought resilience.
• Altering root and microbe communications to support healthy root function.
• Detailed analyses of key biochemical and biological parameters to ascertain plant-soil-microbe interactions.

The project researchers have extensive skills and scientific knowledge in conducting long term farming system trials. The PhD candidate will work with the on-farm researchers and those in the state-of-the-art laboratories at Flinders University and across established SA Discovery Farms at SARDI.

This PhD Scholarship offers:

• $40,000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision across SARDI and the College of Science and Engineering.
• A supportive environment, located in the College of Science and Engineering, to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen; and
• meet Flinders University PhD entry rules – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship. In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the University, this time may be extended to 6 months.
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the research project (e.g. have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• A high level of verbal communication and organisational skills
• Prior experience in managing agronomics experiments
• Skills in lab-based biochemical and molecular analyses