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Spatial analysis of transcription of cell wall related genes

This project is closed.

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Biological sciences

Project description

The spatial expression of cell wall related genes will be analysed in plants such as sugarcane, sorghum and rice. The aim will be to identify genes that could be manipulated by gene editing to alter biomass composition.

Research environment

At the University of Queensland (UQ), the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) is ranked #1 in Australia for agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, as well as food science and technology. The new QAAFI-led ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon applies the world-leading expertise available at UQ to the development of new plant varieties and their efficient conversion into renewable carbon products.

MGI Australia is a leader in the development and application of life science technologies.

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) is the leading research organisation dedicated to supporting the Australian sugarcane industry.

You will be located at UQ, St Lucia campus, and supervised by UQ, MGI and SRA experts.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $40,581 per annum, indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $40,581 per annum, 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 plant biology or science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of transcriptomic analysis is highly desirable.

How to apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 24 November, 2025 24 November, 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 Aitken (karen.aitken@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: SPATIAL ANALYSIS-AITKEN
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/spatial-analysis-transcription-cell-wall-related-genes

Submit an EOI

Do you have questions?

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Contact us