The University of Adelaide is offering a fully funded PhD position in Plant Ecophysiology, focusing on the assessment of Australian threatened plants' risk of mortality in response to the combined effects of drought and heatwaves. This research is highly relevant to climate change, as hotter droughts and increasing extinction risks for many species are pressing global issues. The successful candidate will join the Plant Ecophysiology Lab and work under the supervision of Dr Ilaine S. Matos (Lecturer/DECRA fellow), Dr Sami Rifai (Lecturer), and Dr Joe Atkinson (Lecturer). The project will involve fieldwork, glasshouse and laboratory work, as well as data analysis and writing throughout the PhD. The scholarship covers a tax-exempt stipend of $36,500 AUD per year plus a $3,000 AUD top-up, with a higher rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates ($53,608 AUD per year). Additional benefits include relocation allowances for both domestic and international candidates, 100% tuition fee waiver, and single Overseas Student Health cover for international applicants. The earliest starting date is April 2026, negotiable. Eligibility requirements include a completed Master's degree (GPA > 5.0) and/or a completed 4-year Bachelor with Honours (GPA > 5.0) in Plant Biology or related fields, proof of English proficiency (IELTS > 6.5 or equivalent) for non-native speakers, strong analytical and programming skills in R, previous experience in plant ecology and/or physiology, and effective writing skills. Ability to drive in Australia is desirable but not essential. To apply, candidates should email a 1-page cover letter explaining their interest and relevant experience, along with a CV in the Adelaide University format, to [email protected] before 15th February 2026. Applications may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. Keywords: Plant Ecophysiology, Plant Biology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Climate Change, Drought, Heatwaves, Australian Flora, Fieldwork, Glasshouse, Laboratory, Data Analysis, R Programming.

The University of Adelaide is offering a fully funded PhD position in Plant Ecophysiology, focusing on the combined impacts of heat and drought on threatened plant species. This research is embedded within an Australian Research Council DECRA project led by Dr Ilaine S. Matos, with support from the Australian Plant Society of South Australia. The successful candidate will assess the risk of mortality for Australian threatened plants in response to climate change-driven droughts and heatwaves, a critical issue for biodiversity conservation. The project involves extensive fieldwork, glasshouse and laboratory research, and data analysis. Candidates will work on disentangling the effects of drought and heat on mature and young trees’ physiology, aiming to predict when, where, and which species will experience mortality. The position is ideal for those with a strong background in plant biology, ecology, or physiology, and an interest in climate change impacts on flora. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (GPA > 5.0) or a 4-year Bachelor with Honours (GPA > 5.0) in Plant Biology or related fields. English proficiency (IELTS > 6.5 or equivalent) is required for non-native speakers. Analytical and programming skills in R, effective writing, and previous experience in plant ecology/physiology are essential. Driving ability in Australia is desirable but not mandatory. The scholarship provides a tax-exempt stipend of $36,500 AUD per year plus a $3,000 AUD top-up, with a higher rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates ($53,608 AUD per year). Additional benefits include relocation allowances, single Overseas Student Health cover for international students, and a full tuition fee waiver. The earliest start date is April 2026, with applications due by February 15, 2026. Supervision will be provided by Dr Ilaine S. Matos (Lecturer/DECRA fellow), Dr Sami Rifai (Lecturer), and Dr Joe Atkinson (Lecturer) at the University of Adelaide. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and CV to [email protected], detailing their interest and qualifications.

The University of Adelaide's Plant Ecophysiology Lab is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on Plant Ecophysiology, with a research emphasis on assessing the risk of mortality for Australian threatened plants in response to droughts and heatwaves. This project is highly relevant to climate change, as it aims to disentangle the combined effects of drought and heat on mature and young trees' physiology, contributing to predictions of species vulnerability and extinction risk. The successful candidate will engage in fieldwork, glasshouse and laboratory work, as well as data analysis and scientific writing throughout the project. The position is open to both Australian and international applicants who have completed a Master's degree (GPA > 5.0) or a 4-year Bachelor with Honours (GPA > 5.0) in Plant Biology or related fields. Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical and programming skills in R, effective writing skills, and a genuine interest in plant ecology and physiology. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS > 6.5 or equivalent) is required for non-native speakers. Experience in driving in Australia is desirable but not essential. The scholarship provides a tax-exempt stipend of $36,500 AUD per annum plus a $3,000 AUD top-up, with a higher rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates ($53,608 AUD p.a.). Additional benefits include relocation allowances for both domestic and international candidates, single overseas student health cover for international students, and a 100% tuition fee waiver. The earliest starting date is April 2026, negotiable. Supervision will be provided by Dr Ilaine S. Matos (Lecturer/DECRA fellow), Dr Sami Rifai (Lecturer), and Dr Joe Atkinson (Lecturer), all affiliated with the University of Adelaide. To apply, candidates should email a 1-page cover letter and CV (in Adelaide University format) to [email protected] before 15th February 2026, explaining their interest and relevant experience. Early applications may be considered if a suitable candidate is found prior to the deadline. Key academic keywords include Plant Ecophysiology, Drought, Heatwaves, Plant Biology, Ecology, Physiology, Climate Change, Australian Flora, Fieldwork, and Data Analysis.