Guiding Future Landscapes: Genomic Assessment of Early Signatures of Adaptation from a Large-scale Provenance Trial
Background
Expressions of interest
This is a prestigious CSIRO iPhD in partnership with La Trobe University and Bush Heritage Australia.
This project performs genomic analyses of juvenile eucalyptus trees from the collaborator’s climate-adapted provenance trial at Nardoo Hills. The expected outcome is to identify genetic variation associated with greater fitness in two key revegetation eucalypts, Eucalyptus microcarpa and Eucalyptus melliodora. The project seeks to provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underpinning resilience and adaptation, which are vital for informing conservation strategies and restoring ecosystems.
For further information please see: https://research.csiro.au/iphd-opportunities/genomic-assessment-of-early-signatures-of-adaptation-from-a-provenance-trial/
and/or contact Dr Susan Hoebee (s.hoebee@latrobe.edu.au)
The successful applicant will be required to engage in a three-month (60 workday equivalent) industry engagement experience, to develop business and professional skills and support practical aspects of their project.
Benefits of the scholarship
- stipend scholarship valued at approximately $47,000 per annum for up to four years (2025 rate)
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident
Applicants will require the following criteria -
Essential:
- eligible to enrol as a domestic student
- an Australian tertiary qualification with 1st class Honours or Masters, and a substantial independent research thesis
- willingness to engage with industry partners
- competency with DNA/bioinformatic approaches
- effective communication skills (oral and written)
- strong organisational and analytical skills
- ability to meet deadlines
- willingness to travel to remote sites to undertaken field work alone or with limited supervision
- hold or gain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) (to be paid for by the successful applicant)
- able to work under OH&S requirements
- Australian drivers licence
Desirable:
- coding experience (e.g. R, Unix, Linux, or Python).
- passionate about Australia's unique flora and its conservation.
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 Master's 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 Master's by Research standard of 75 or above
How to apply
To express your interest, please email the following to Dr Susan Hoebee (s.hoebee@latrobe.edu.au) by 10 December 2025:
- an email addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria listed above
- a short CV (2-3 pages)
- e-copies of papers, manuscripts or a thesis (Honours or Master's)
We will aim to get back to prospective applicants in early February 2026.
An online interview may be required for short-listed applicants.
Only the top applicant will be asked to submit a full application to the University for consideration.
Who to contact for further information
Dr Susan Hoebee, s.hoebee@latrobe.edu.au