Decoding the genes and signals that determine plant benefit from plant-microbe symbioses

About the research project

Plants form symbioses with nutrient acquiring microbes, but the benefit plants derive for growth and nutrient uptake can vary widely. This is due to combinations of differences in plant genotype, microbial genotype and environmental conditions (especially nutrient levels in the soil). To enable us to harness these symbioses in agriculture and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel intensive fertliser, we must be able to select plant varieties that gain the most benefit from these interactions. In addition, many important ecological processes, such as response to climate change and plant invasion, can also be influenced by the benefit plants gain from symbiotic interactions. This project will take a novel approach to understand the plant genes and signals that regulate the benefit plants gain from symbiotic interactions. Identification of these specific genetic pathways will provide targets for future crop improvement and also provide mechanistic understanding of how variation in symbiotic traits can drive ecological processes.

This project will make use of existing knowledge and resources in a range of plant species, including crops such as sorghum and native plants such as Senicio. An AI-assisted process will collate key genes and genetic regions known to influence symbiotic interactions in model species from the literature. Within a plant species, panels of diverse genotypes with accompanying genotype information available in Australia, will then be examined for variation in these genes to identify variants of interest. This will inform the selection of specific plants to grow in the field and or pot studies to examine the growth response in response to low and high nutrient levels and the presence and absence of symbiotic partners. When combined, these studies will identify genotypes that gain the most benefit from symbioses.

This project will be strengthened by strategic collaborations with internationally recognised leaders in grain crop improvement at UQ. Through these partnerships, the PhD candidate will gain access to extensive germplasm resources, including large, genetically diverse and fully sequenced plant diversity panels, as well as associated seed stocks and phenotypic datasets. In addition, a three-month internship with the Australian Grains Genebank will provide access to one of Australia's largest collections of crop genetic resources, offering training in germplasm management and characterisation. Together, these collaborations and resources will provide a powerful platform to investigate the drivers of plant-microbe interactions across broad genetic backgrounds, accelerating the translation of fundamental discoveries into crop improvement outcomes.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor 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 funded by University of Tasmania 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 applicants
• Applications are open to applicants from plant developmental genetics discipline background 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:

• Background in molecular plant biology

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor 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 October 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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