Flinders University 2025 PhD Scholarship on Soil and Microbial Amelioration to Enhance the Drought Tolerance of Crops

Change lives and change the world with an impactful PhD as a component of the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants, Future Drought Fund (Australian Government) project titled: South Australian Climate Resilience Discovery Farms and Innovator sites. A project delivering innovative science to improve the climate resilience of crops, livestock, soils and natural capital assessed through a network of long-term trials across the pastoral, low, medium, and high rainfall zones of South Australia.

• Receive a $40,000 (2024 full-time rate) per annum scholarship tax free, for up to 3.5 years.
• Apply and develop your research skills working with an experienced team of interdisciplinary researchers within Flinders University and SARDI.

This inspiring project involves:

• Engineering the soil microbiome to enhance soil health.
• Study the impact of diverse soil ameliorants/amendments on plant health and drought resilience.
• Altering root and microbe communications to support healthy root function.
• Detailed analyses of key biochemical and biological parameters to ascertain plant-soil-microbe interactions.

The project researchers have extensive skills and scientific knowledge in conducting long term farming system trials. The PhD candidate will work

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship
• Requirements for PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Flinders University

Flinders University is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1966, it was named in honour of navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored and surveyed the South Australian coastline in the early 19th century. Flinders is a verdant university[citation needed] and a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Group and ranks in the 10-16 bracket in Australia and 36th in the world of those established less than 50 years. Academically, the university pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to education, and its faculties of medicine and the humanities are ranked amon... continue reading

PhD Scholarship

Application Deadline	31 Dec 2025
Country to study	Australia
School to study	Flinders University
Type	PhD
Sponsor	Flinders University
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship

This PhD Scholarship offers:

• $40,000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision across SARDI and the College of Science and Engineering.
• A supportive environment, located in the College of Science and Engineering, to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

Requirements for PhD Scholarship Qualification

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian or New Zealand citizen; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD entry rules – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship. In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the University, this time may be extended to 6 months.
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the research project (e.g. have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• A high level of verbal communication and organisational skills
• Prior experience in managing agronomics experiments
• Skills in lab-based biochemical and molecular analyses

 

Application Deadline

December 31, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Flinders University on www.flinders.edu.au to apply

Complete the attached Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Application Form, send your application with supporting documentation to Dr Bart Eijkelkamp via email at: [email protected]

To find out more about this exciting scholarship opportunity, contact Dr Bart Eijkelkamp via email at: [email protected] or A/Professor Rhiannon Schilling at: [email protected].

Please note that successful scholarship applicants must also apply for, and be admitted to, HDR candidature at Flinders University in order to receive the scholarship. For further information refer to: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/apply/apply-research-degree

Application will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.

Application Form

For more details, visit Flinders University scholarship webpage