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Development of traits for low methanogenic forage sorghums

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences, Biological sciences

Project description

You will join the QAAFIs Centre for Crop Science as part of the CRC-Zero Net Emissions Agriculture initiative, focusing on developing tropical grasses with low methanogenic properties to help combat agricultures impact on our environment. This position contributes to a six-year project entitled "Low Emission Tropical Grass Solutions for Cattle Feed", which aims to develop low-methane-emitting forage crop species in collaboration with our industry partner Barenbrug Pty Ltd. 
 

Research environment

You will join a diverse team in a research group focused on the improvement of crops using genomic and biotechnological tools. The research teamwork utilises biotechnology to perform precise manipulations to a crops genome to characterise their function and further our understanding of complex gene networks, focusing on traits important to plant breeders and growers.  

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.
  • single overseas student health cover (OSHC)
    ​​​​

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Supervisor

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture and cereal biochemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of plant or crop science, genetics or biotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of gene editing and plant transformation is highly desirable.

How to apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 28 December, 2025 28 December, 2025.

Before you apply

  1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  2. Prepare your documentation.
  3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Karen Massel (k.massel@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

  1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
  2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
  3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: SORGHUM-MASSEL
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/development-traits-low-methanogenic-forage-sorghums

Submit an EOI

Do you have questions?

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