Project Title: Understanding gene flow and resistance in an emerging cotton pest in Northern Australia
3 years full-time appointment
Darwin
Domestic Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend
$41,190 annually
About the Opportunity:
Charles Darwin University (CDU) and CSIRO are partnering to offer an exciting PhD opportunity focused on population genetics and Bt resistance in the emerging cotton pest Spodoptera litura. Cotton production in Northern Australia is expanding rapidly, but the region differs markedly from the southern cotton production areas, particularly in climate, cropping systems, and pest management practices. These differences likely shape the biology, movement, and resistance profile of key insect pests, yet there is very limited empirical data to validate this. Understanding the risks posed by northern production systems is essential to ensuring that the Resistance Management Plan (RMP) continues to minimise the evolution of Bt resistance in cotton pest species across Australia. A major knowledge gap relates to Spodoptera spp., particularly S. litura, an emerging pest in northern landscapes. Little is known about its life history in Australian cotton systems, patterns of dispersal and gene flow, current and potential pesticide resistance or role in broader landscape-level dynamics. This PhD project will provide the first comprehensive assessment of S. litura population structure, movement, and resistance development across Northern Australian cotton landscapes. The research will form the foundation for future modelling and management strategies, helping industry anticipate and mitigate emerging pest risks. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the interface of molecular ecology, agricultural biosecurity, and sustainable pest management, with strong support from both CDU, CSIRO, CRDC and industry.
About You:
* First-Class Honours or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics or a related field
* Willingness to engage with industry and government partners
* Strong interest in genomics, biosecurity or pest biology
* Be willing to live and work in Darwin
Desirable Criteria:
Experience or interest in fieldwork in agricultural settings
How to Apply:
* A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability (max two pages)
* A curriculum vitae
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an expression of interest and a CV to Professor Maxine Piggott at For more information, please contact Maxine on
Note: The supervisor will invite applicants who pass the expression of interest stage to submit scholarship applications before closing date. Please do not submit any applications unless you are invited by the supervisor.
Please do not select the "Apply" button
Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We're about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our university community feels that they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected university in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community is inclusive of all our staff, students and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed. You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.