PhD Opportunity in Hidden Fungicide Pools in Barley at Curtin University Curtin University in Australia

PhD opportunity at Curtin University in hidden fungicide pools in barley, focused on how fungicides are metabolised inside plants and converted into conjugated “hidden” residue forms that may affect persistence, efficacy, and resistance selection.

The project is hosted by the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. It sits at the intersection of plant science, crop protection, molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced analytical chemistry, with a strong emphasis on LC–HRMS, metabolite profiling, fungicide residue dynamics, and plant xenobiotic metabolism.

The research aims to map free and conjugated fungicide residues across barley development, identify dominant conjugated residue classes, investigate the biochemical basis of conjugation and hydrolysis, and test practical strategies to improve fungicide availability in planta. The topic is highly relevant to sustainable agriculture, fungicide stewardship, and resistance management in cereal crops.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a tertiary degree in plant science, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, or a related field; an Honours or Masters research project is expected; strong communication skills are required; and experience in LC–MS, plant physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, data analysis, and statistics is highly regarded. The opportunity is open to domestic applicants only and applicants must meet Curtin PhD entry requirements.

Funding: high-performing applicants may be considered for an RTP Scholarship if selected as the preferred candidate. Funding is therefore conditional rather than guaranteed.

Application window: submit an Expression of Interest during the Central Scholarship round (1 July–31 July 2026). Enquiries can be directed to Dr Jordi Muria Gonzalez at the listed email address.