Towards drought resilient, profitable and inclusive horticultural systems
PhD
1 August 2025
Location
Launceston
Student type
Domestic and International
$33,511 pa
About the research project
Working as a key team player the PhD candidate will develop and apply models to build drought resilience in Australia's viticulture and horticultural regions, addressing vulnerability to declining rainfall and rising water demand in systems with high rainfall dependence and limited irrigation. Modelling will be conducted using data measured in long-term trials established in the Australian States of NSW and Tasmania with wine grapes, apple and cherry.
The modelling will test practices to increase yield during and after drought by improving use of rainfall-derived soil water, focusing on enhancing root system performance, canopy and floor management strategies that increase water-use efficiency, alleviate drought stress and improve resilience.
The PhD project also examine methods for improving the delivery and scheduling of limited supplementary irrigation. Farm systems modelling will quantify economic, environmental and agrifood production under varying intensities of drought and extreme weather events, then scale findings to applicable zones across Australia.
Skills or experience in integrated assessment modelling, coding (e.g. MatLab, R, Python or C#) will be viewed favourably. Understanding of agricultural systems is desirable.
While much of the PhD will be desk-based, the candidate will be expected to work as a team player, including co-design of mitigation and adaptation interventions in consultation with industry stakeholders and other researchers within the consortium. This may require domestic and international travel from time to time.
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
* a living allowance stipend co-funded with Charles Sturt University (CSU) of $33,511 per annum for 3.5 years
* a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
* a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates .
Selection criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
* The successful applicant must have demonstrated skills in farm systems modelling or agricultural systems through industry experience and/or peer-reviewed publications.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
* Experience with grapes, apple orchards and/or cherry orchards will benefit potential candidates, but such experience is not essential.
Application process
* Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
* Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don't correctly do this your application may be rejected.
* Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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