PhD in Tropical Protected Cropping and Indigenous Hydroponics
PhD opportunity at Charles Darwin University
in
tropical protected cropping, hydroponics, Indigenous crops, microbial ecology, and plant-microbe interactions
.
This project, titled
“Demonstration of microbial-active protected cropping systems for tropical horticulture and Indigenous crops in the Northern Territory”
, is a collaboration between
Charles Darwin University
and
Orlar International
, with links to Indigenous bush food enterprises and broader food system development initiatives in northern Australia. The research will evaluate and demonstrate a microbial-active hydroponic system combining greenhouse design, substrate technology (Orlarock), and microbial consortia to support temperate leafy greens and Indigenous plant species.
The successful PhD candidate will work in an integrated research team and may focus on either
hydroponic system performance
or
microbial enhancement of hydroponic Indigenous crops
. The work includes greenhouse trials, microbial analysis, environmental monitoring, and industry translation, with close collaboration among academic supervisors, industry partners, technical staff, and another PhD candidate.
Funding:
Domestic candidates only. The scholarship includes a
Research Training Program (RTP) stipend of $35,489 per year
(indexed annually), a
full tuition fee offset
, and a
$16,000 per year top-up
for 3 years.
Eligibility highlights:
Applicants must meet CDU PhD entry requirements and be an
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
. A
First Class honours degree or equivalent
in agricultural science, horticulture, soil/microbial biology, plant physiology, controlled environment agriculture, environmental science, or a related field is expected. Skills in hydroponics, protected cropping, plant physiology, microbial ecology, laboratory analysis, or greenhouse systems are desirable. Candidates should be willing to live and work in
Darwin
and enrol by
Semester 1, 2027
.
How to apply:
Email Prof. Stephen Xu with a brief cover letter, CV, and academic transcript. The post explicitly says not to use the Apply button. Applications are open until the position is filled.
