Two Fully Funded PhD Scholarships: Microbial Ecology, Soil Health and Crop Disease Management – University of Western Australia
About the University of Western Australia
Applications are open for two PhD scholarships in microbial ecology, soil health, and crop disease management at the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment. The projects will develop microbiome tools for sustainable and profitable horticulture and agriculture, integrating both innovative and emerging strategies. You will be supported by a cohort of postdocs, other PhD students, and a vibrant team of soil biologists and plant scientists. Successful candidates will be part of a multi-disciplinary, nationally and globally connected research environment.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
The projects will develop microbiomes tools for sustainable and profitable horticulture and agriculture integrating both innovative and emerging strategies. You will be supported by a cohort of postdocs, other PhD students, and a vibrant team of soil biologists and plant scientists. Projects will harness state-of-art tools including metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, RNAi and artificial intelligence-based modelling for developing new crop disease management tools. The projects include collaborative framework with national and international research teams, industrial partners, and growers from across Australia.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it combines cutting-edge multi-omics tools (metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics) with RNAi and AI-based modelling to develop new crop disease management tools. The projects are embedded in a collaborative framework with national and international research teams, industrial partners, and growers from across Australia. The scholarship value of AUD $38,110 per year is competitive for Australian PhD positions. For a student interested in microbial ecology, soil health, and sustainable agriculture, this is an opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technologies in a multi-disciplinary, globally connected research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop microbiome tools for sustainable and profitable horticulture and agriculture
- Harness state-of-art tools including metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, RNAi, and AI-based modelling
- Collaborate with national and international research teams, industrial partners, and growers
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must meet UWA admission requirements for Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) |
| Citizenship | International and Domestic students welcome |
| Enrolment Status | Future student |
| Specific Requirement | Previous research experience in the discipline |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Stipend scholarship |
| Scholarship Value | AUD $38,110 per year |
| Duration | Standard PhD duration |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Research Environment | Multi-disciplinary, nationally and globally connected research environment |
My Application Tips
- Highlight your research experience
- Emphasize multi-omics or bioinformatics skills – Metagenomics, proteomics, or metabolomics experience is highly relevant
- Show interest in RNAi or AI-based modelling – These are emerging tools mentioned in the project
- Demonstrate understanding of soil health and crop disease management – The core focus of the projects
- Contact Prof Brajesh Singh first – Gain approval to apply before submitting a formal application
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in microbial ecology, soil science, plant pathology, or bioinformatics who wants to work on developing microbiome tools for sustainable agriculture. This project trains participants to use omics technologies and AI to address crop disease challenges. You will work with molecular biology and bioinformatics tools and collaborate with industry partners and growers.
How to Apply
In the first instance, contact Prof Brajesh Singh (brajesh.singh@uwa.edu.au) to gain approval to apply for the scholarship and his agreement to supervise.
Close Date: June 30, 2026
Note: The funder reserves the right to award the scholarship prior to the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
