Optimizing the rumen for lifetime benefits

This CRC in Zero Net Emissions in Agriculture funded project aims to better understand rumen development in calves for lifetime benefits. The project will include both lab scale and animal studies, developing expertise in molecular biology, imaging, rumen physiology and animal production. The candidate will interact with a larger multidisciplinary team and be able to interact with key members of the industry.

The candidate will join Dr Sarah Meale’s Research program, which currently comprises a post-doc and 3 PhD students. Sarah’s lab possesses a track record of sustained research excellence, as evidenced by its high number of publications indexed in Scopus. The candidate's project is aligned with a CRC-funded initiative, with all research costs for the PhD covered by this project. AGFS will provide office space, in addition to laboratory and animal facilities at Gatton. The candidate will be actively encouraged to participate in project meetings, seminars, project planning sessions, and weekly lab meetings with fellow students. AGFS students are eligible for conference travel awards.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

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 the principles involved in the design and conduct of lab-scale and animal field trials would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of ruminant nutrition and methane mitigation and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of the Australian cattle production industry is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 31 December, 2025 31 December, 2025.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Sarah Meale (s.meale@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: RUMEN-MEALE
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/optimizing-rumen-lifetime-benefits

Submit an EOI