Novel signals in nutrient acquisition

Discovering novel signals in plant nutrient acquisition strategies

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Plants acquire essential nutrients from the soil directly or by forming symbioses with specialised fungal and bacterial partners. This projects aims to take a novel approach to discover key plant signals controlling these nutrient acquisition strategies to underpin the development of new plant genotypes to support sustainable agriculture. In particular, this project will take novel phylogenetic and physiological approaches across plant taxa to discover conserved plant gene and signals that control nutrient starvation and symbiotic programs. This will include vascular and non-vascular plants to gain an understanding of how these signalling systems evolved.  The project will also use cutting edge ion mobility imaging mass spectrometer recently commissioned in CSL to develop protocols to non-destructively assess nutrient and symbiotic status of roots, a breakthrough advance that would enable field level evaluation of nutrient acquisition for breeding programs.

The project will be embedded within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Success and takes advantage of the deep genetic resources available in model and crop species and novel mathematical approaches.

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Eloise Foo

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 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.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

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:

  • Applicants must already have been awarded a first-class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.
  • Applicants from the following disciplines are eligible to apply: Plant physiology, Genetics, Molecular biology
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus.

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:

  • Research experience in the fields of molecular biology, plant physiology and/or genetics
  • Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
  • Quality of academic record

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact A/Prof Eloise Foo 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 1 June 2024.

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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