Conservation Biological Control in Rubus

Conservation biological control of insect pests in Australian Rubus

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

Scholarship

$31,500pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

This project seeks to advance integrated pest management (IPM) in Australian blackberry & raspberry production. The project located at the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Wollongbar Research Station will be co-supervised by University of Tasmania and DPI staff. As part of a University of Tasmania led national research program, the successful applicant will work with industry partners to investigate all aspects of conservation biological control within sub-tropical raspberry and blackberry production systems including plant selection, establishment, and the ability of this pest control strategy to control arthropod pests, enhance beneficial arthropod populations and subsequently improve fruit quality and yield.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Stephen Quarrell

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend co-funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) 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.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • The scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand (domestic) candidates and to International candidates
  • Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis
  • Applications are open to applicants with a background in entomology only
  • English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project

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:

  • Applicants must already have been awarded a first-class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in horticultural entomology and integrated pest management
  • Excellence in written and oral communication skills
  • Must hold Australian driver’s license or be able to obtain a license
  • Ability to conduct field work independently

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience in berry production research including applicants with peer-reviewed research publications in the area of research will be looked upon favourably

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Stephen Quarrell to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • 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.
  4. Apply prior to 27 March 2023.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

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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