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Genomic selection for lower methane emissions in beef cattle

Project summary

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

Project description

Methane from beef cattle is a major contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Genetic improvement offers a permanent and cumulative pathway to reduce emissions, provided we can measure methane-related traits at scale and translate those records into accurate breeding values that industry can use.
 
In this PhD project, based at the The University of Queensland within the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), you will help deliver the genomic tools needed to enable accurate selection for lower methane emissions in beef cattle, while maintaining or improving key production traits. You will work closely with beef cattle stud breeders to support practical adoption of methane-efficient genetics.
 
The overarching aim is to enable accurate selection for lower methane emissions in beef cattle to support long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from beef production systems.

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.

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 quantitative genetics and genomic prediction (GEBVs) would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of animal genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, and statistical genetics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of beef cattle breeding systems is highly desirable.

How to apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 23 February, 2026 23 February, 2026.

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 Mehrnush Forutan (m.forutan@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: METHANE-FORUTAN
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/genomic-selection-lower-methane-emissions-beef-cattle

Submit an EOI

Do you have questions?

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