Graciela Metternicht

Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and innovative technologies? This PhD opportunity at Western Sydney University invites you to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team advancing the future of smart horticulture. Based at the Hawkesbury campus, home to the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre and the School of Science, the project focuses on improving energy, water, and nutrient efficiencies in high-tech greenhouse systems. The research will use quantitative metrics and techno-economic assessment to evaluate how management strategies influence energy consumption, crop productivity, and partial life cycle footprints. The aim is to identify optimisation pathways for seasonal scheduling and crop selection, contributing to the operational, economic, and environmental sustainability of protected cropping systems aligned with Australia's net-zero targets. Key research activities include: Measuring seasonal resource use efficiency under varied operational regimes. Applying Net Present Value (NPV), Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE), and marginal productivity metrics to assess economic viability. Conducting partial life cycle assessments focused on fertiliser and energy inputs. The successful candidate will work across the School of Science, School of Business, and the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment—three hubs of research excellence in agriculture, climate innovation, and supply chain management. The project is part of Program 3 of the ARC Training Centre, which develops low input, low-carbon technologies and policies for a sustainable horticultural sector. This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary role involving greenhouse-based experimentation, data analysis, and technology evaluation. The research team is deeply engaged in national and international networks, ensuring your work contributes to both global best practices and regional impact. Funding and Support: Domestic and international candidates receive a tax-free stipend of $37,000 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years. International candidates with a strong track record are eligible for a tuition fee waiver and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Policy. Additional support is available for conference attendance, fieldwork, and approved costs. Eligibility: Applicants must hold qualifications equivalent to an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, Research Master’s degree, or equivalent overseas qualifications. A strong academic background in environmental science, sustainability, agricultural/environmental economics, or life cycle assessment (LCA) is required. Experience in environmental impact modelling and familiarity with software/database such as OpenLCA, SimaPro, or ecoinvent is expected. Demonstrated ability in quantitative analysis, including energy, water, or carbon footprint assessments, and proficiency in statistical programming tools such as R, Python, or MATLAB are necessary. Candidates should have a strong interest in climate-smart agriculture, willingness to conduct experiments in greenhouses or controlled environments, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and motivation to work in a multidisciplinary team. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Desirable attributes include knowledge of techno-economic modelling or cost-benefit analysis, experience handling multi-year or sensor-based environment datasets, and conducting uncertainty or sensitivity analysis. Application Process: Review the eligibility criteria and prepare a document explaining how you meet them. Contact the lead researcher, Assoc. Prof. Graciela Metternicht, via email to discuss your eligibility and express your interest. Request a letter of support from the lead researcher. Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship'. Applications close 30 April 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT. For further information or questions, contact [email protected].