Transforming Pyrethrum Production – discovering genes and systems to enable annual cropping of a perennial

About the research project

Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) is the source of the world’s most widely used natural insecticide. Australia is the global leader in pyrethrum production; however, the industry’s profitability is threatened by the crop’s long 18-month production cycle.This PhD project will investigate the genetic and physiological pathways controlling the transition from vegetative growth to flowering in pyrethrum. By identifying mechanisms that enable earlier flowering, the project aims to support the development of a viable 10-month cropping system. Outcomes will directly inform breeding and agronomic strategies to improve economic sustainability and environmental resilience. The project complements a broader ARC Early Career Industry Research Fellowship led by Dr Tamieka Pearce.The successful candidate will be based at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and work closely with Botanical Resources Australia’s (BRA) R&D program. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to link fundamental research with direct industry application.

Key aims include:

1. Identifying genetic markers and molecular pathways regulating the juvenile-to-adult transition in pyrethrum.
2. Determining physiological drivers of early flowering, including sugar metabolism and vernalisation responses.
3. Developing rapid screening tools to select early-flowering plants for breeding programs.
4. Evaluating the effects of shortened crop cycles on yield, pyrethrin content, and disease incidence.
5. Delivering breeding and agronomic protocols for annualised pyrethrum production.

Activities will involve:

1. Molecular biology techniques, including RNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics.
2. Greenhouse experiments assessing growth, flowering, and physiological traits under controlled conditions.
3. Field trials with BRA to evaluate crop performance, disease dynamics, and agronomic practices.

This PhD offers comprehensive training in molecular biology, plant physiology, crop pathology, and applied breeding, alongside direct exposure to commercial crop production. It provides an exceptional opportunity to address a globally significant industry challenge at the interface of science and agriculture.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Tamieka Pearce

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with ARC of $34,315 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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:

• Applications are open to domestic or international candidates
• Applicants need to be from a biological or agricultural sciences discipline
• 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:

1. Relevant degree, including a Master’s or Honours degree in Agricultural or Biological Science (e.g. plant science, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline).
2. Strong research and analytical skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
3. Experience working with plants in field, glasshouse or laboratory-based research environments.
4. Molecular biology research skills, including experience with RNA/DNA extraction, sequencing, and gene expression analysis.
5. Communication and collaboration skills, with strong written and oral communication for publishing, conference presentations, and engagement with industry partners (e.g. Botanical Resources Australia, growers, agronomists).
6. Evidence of self-motivation, perseverance, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

1. Demonstrated ability to understand plant physiology and crop science, including developmental stages, flowering physiology, and crop production systems
2. Demonstrated ability to perform tissue culture, plant cloning, and pathogen identification using morphological and molecular techniques.
3. Demonstrated ability to use bioinformatics tools, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret genomic and transcriptomic datasets.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Tamieka Pearce 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 August 2026.

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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