PhD in Crop Physiology and Climate Adaptation in Wheat (Australia/France) University of Queensland in Australia

This PhD opportunity at the University of Queensland focuses on understanding wheat responses to heat and drought stress, supporting the breeding of climate-resilient crop varieties. The project, supervised by Professor Karine Chenu and Associate Professor Millicent Smith, is based at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and involves international collaboration with INRAE in France. Research activities include designing and conducting field trials, developing high-throughput phenotyping methods, analyzing large-scale datasets, and applying crop modelling to predict trait performance across diverse environments in Australia and France.

The research addresses critical challenges in global food security by investigating how wheat allocates resources between pre- and post-flowering stages under varying environmental conditions. Key traits such as tillering capacity, stem reserve dynamics, and leaf senescence will be studied to inform breeding strategies for climate-adapted wheat. The project offers hands-on experience at UQ's Gatton Campus and the Plant Futures Facility at St Lucia, providing access to world-class research infrastructure and a vibrant academic community.

Successful candidates will gain international research experience, develop expertise in crop ecophysiology, phenotyping, and predictive modelling, and contribute to impactful research in agriculture and environmental science. The position is fully funded, with a stipend of $37,500 per annum (2026 rate), tuition coverage, and health insurance for international students. Applicants should have a strong background in plant or crop physiology, crop modelling, statistics, or genetics, and meet the PhD entry requirements at UQ. The application deadline is 24 January, 2026. For more information or to discuss suitability, contact Professor Karine Chenu at [email protected].