Closing 26 May 2025

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Are you interested in using plant-soil-microbe interactions to improve the sustainability and resilience of agriculture under climate change? Do you want to be part of an exciting new research program led by a multidisciplinary, international team to study mechanisms and impacts of these interactions?

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for a fully funded PhD project as part of an Australian Research Council-funded program. This project will investigate how interactions between plants, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are influenced by silicon supplementation, and how these relationships can be harnessed to support plant and soil health under warming conditions.

Recent research highlights the potential of silicon to enhance both nitrogen fixation and mycorrhizal symbioses, offering a promising strategy to mitigate climate-induced stress on agroecosystems. This project will explore the mechanisms behind these interactions and their cascading impacts on soil carbon and nutrient cycling.

The PhD will be jointly supervised by Yolima Carrillo and Scott Johnson (Western Sydney University, Australia), and Katie Field and Sue Hartley (University of Sheffield, UK). You will be based at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (WSU), a world-leading research centre in environmental and ecological science, with one year spent at the Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil cluster (University of Sheffield), known for its interdisciplinary work on plant-soil-environment interactions.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,511 (AUD) per annum for 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,511 (AUD) per annum for 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
• Support will be provided for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute.
• International candidates are required to hold a Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative, international research team addressing urgent global challenges in agriculture, food security, and climate change.

The successful applicant should:

• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to plant science, microbiology, ecology, and/or soil ecology and/or plant-microbe interactions.
• Have an understanding of microbiology, plant ecology/physiology, soil ecology
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency

HOW TO APPLY
Review the project’s eligibility criteria.
Applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your
eligibility, the project’s requirements, and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. Candidates with a strong track record will then be interviewed by the selection panel.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher:
Assoc. Professor Yolima Carrillo

Closing date: 26 May 2025