Fast-tracking genetic gains for E. smithii pulp plantations

This Project aims to accelerate the domestication of Eucalyptus smithii to address demand for this emerging pulp fibre species. The expected outcome is to understand maximisation of genetic gains of Eucalyptus smithii plantations for pulp productivity. The potential benefit is enhanced global supply of genetically improved E. smithii seeds for commercial plantation industry.

The successful student will join the team in the Horticultural Quantitative Genetics group in the Centre of Horticultural Sciences, QAAFI, led by Assoc Prof Craig Hardner. This team works on a number of perennial crops including eucalypts, macadamia, apple, mango, blueberry, strawberry, citrus, almond, peach, and sweet cherry across disciplines of quantitative, population and conservation genetics, multivariate linear mixed models, DNA based selection, breeding strategies, and genetics of consumer sensory traits. Currently Dr Hardner advisors 5 higher degree students. The successful student will also be aligned with the new ARC training hub on Plant and Animal breeding lead by QAAFI. QAAFI supports a strong higher degree community across horticulture, crop, animal and food and nutrition sciences. This project will also engage closely with CSIRO and the commercial partner.

This project is supported by the CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship.

Learn more about the CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship.

The stipulated CSIRO eligibility requirements are:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident
• meet university PhD admission and English language requirements
• have not previously completed a PhD
• not be in receipt of another primary scholarship
• be able to commence the program in the year of the offer
• enrol as a full-time PhD student
• be located at the agreed project location(s), and, if required, comply with the university’s external enrolment procedures.

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 tree breeding, forestry, quantitative genetics, and reproductive biology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of biology, and statistics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of forestry, eucalypt seed production, and forest ecology is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Associate Professor Craig Hardner (craig.hardner@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 4 November, 2024 4 November, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter CSIRO-HARDNER.

Apply now