This project is closed for international students.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- Long Pocket
- Research area
- Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences, Biological sciences
Project description
Today, blueberry is the second largest berry industry after strawberry, with a production value of $411.2 M in 2021/2022. However, the significant loss from the blueberry root-crown disorder(s) has been observed in the last few years, and there is little to no published information on this issue. The variations observed across genotypes, locations, batches of plants and years of planting indicate the complexity in identifying the key reasons for the incidence.
The aims of this PhD project are to develop a hypothesis around potential causes from a nutritional point of view, implement advanced research methods and tools to uncover the underlying cause of the physiological disorder(s) observed in blueberries and identify potential early detection tools to root out the impacted plants.
We are seeking enthusiastic candidates interested in cutting-edge applied research and in future industrial research and development careers.
You will work as part of the Tissue Culture Laboratory team as well as at the nursery and farm site. The industry-focused project will involve undertaking experiments, phenotypic analysis and nutritional analysis in support of understanding the root-crown disorder(s). The candidate will gain knowledge and skills through industry engagement and collaboration, understand the blueberry production system and contribute knowledge to the scientific community.
Research environment
The Tissue Culture Laboratory at Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation in The University of Queensland has an outstanding international reputation for the high quality of research output. We have developed the world’s first successful pipeline for avocado tissue culture. With ARC-Linkage funding, our team of researchers, growers and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries demonstrated complete proof-of-concept from Lab to Orchard. The Laboratory undertakes fundamental and applied research, funded through competitive Government grants and by world-wide consortia of leading companies in horticulture. More details on the research activities at Centre of Horticultural Science, QAAFI are available online.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal 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 physiology and nutrition in the berry crops would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of plant science, horticulture, agricultural science and biotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of the blueberry production and desire to develop a successful highly productive career in fundamental or applied research in the industry is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 June, 2025 30 March, 2024.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Eveline Kong (e.kong@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. 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
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.