La Trobe University > Study with us > Scholarships > Other Scholarship opportunities > Agriculture Victoria PhD Research Scholarship – Cyst Nematodes

Agriculture Victoria PhD Research Scholarship – Cyst Nematodes

Amount

$30000
Per annum, for three years. A six-month extension may be available. Fee relief additional.

Opening date

Closing date

Status

Closed

Who is it for?

Future PhD candidates

Where is it available?

Melbourne

How is it paid?

Fortnightly stipend.

Background

Development of molecular diagnostic tests to detect key plant parasitic cyst nematodes in soil and in planta that impact Australian

agricultural production and restrict market access. Cyst nematodes are an important group of plant pests, affecting a range of crops. There are several species identified as biosecurity threats. This project proposes to build Victoria’s capability to detect and identify plant parasitic cyst nematodes using molecular techniques. Diagnostic tests will be developed that can be used directly on soil or plant tissue to detect and identify target cyst nematodes. The aims of this project are:

  1. To build capability in cyst nematode taxonomy,
  2. To utilise suitable genomics approaches to identify suitable molecular markers for species identification and possibly biotype identification, and
  3. To develop diagnostic tests that can be used to detect key cyst nematodes in soil and in planta for diagnostics and molecular epidemiology.

This scholarship is open for application from Australian and New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents and internationals only if they are already in Australia.

Benefits of the scholarship include:

The successful candidates will receive:
  • A $30,000 p.a (tax-free) scholarship for three years
  • A fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
  • Training in Australia’s first integrated agricultural systems biology research centre, AgriBio at La Trobe University
  • Professional development programs
  • International travel opportunities may be available to present the research

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

  • meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course
  • not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
  • will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
  • have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
  • are Australian and New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

How to apply

  • review details on how to apply for candidature
  • contact Kendra Whiteman, via kendra.whiteman@agriculture.vic.gov.au, to express an interest in the project by 16 October 2020 and include a covering letter, your curriculum vitae with evidence of research writing and academic transcripts
  • if you are shortlisted to apply for this scholarship, you will need to submit your application by 30 October 2020 indicating that you wish to be considered for this scholarship on the application
  • a research proposal is not required
  • applicants may be required to attend an interview.

The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship. You will be advised of an outcome in November.


Who to contact for further information

Kendra Whiteman, Visitor and Student Coordinator Agriculture Victoria Research, kendra.whiteman@agriculture.vic.gov.au