Western Sydney University
1 month ago
Research Training Program
Funded PhD in Plant Tissue Lifespans, Plant Ecology and Ecosystem Modelling Western Sydney University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Ecology
Funding
Funded PhD project with a tax-free stipend of at least AUD 35,188 per annum for up to 3 years, supported by the Research Training Program fee offset. An additional AUD 3,000 top-up is available if starting in 2026. The stipend increases to AUD 38,707 in 2027 and is projected to rise annually. Project support of AUD 9,200 per annum is available for conference attendance, fieldwork, labwork, and other approved costs.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Australia
University
Western Sydney University
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About this position
Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is advertising a funded PhD in plant functional ecology, focused on plant tissue lifespans, plant biology, ecophysiology, environmental biology, and mathematical modelling. The project asks why some plant species build tissues that last for decades while others invest in rapid growth and short-lived tissues, and how these strategies affect ecosystem carbon storage, resilience, and responses to climate change.
You will work with Professor Ian Wright and Dr Ben Smith at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, with collaborators in Australia and overseas. The project can include field studies across diverse Australian environments, laboratory work in plant physiology, hydraulics and anatomy, analysis of large Australian and global trait datasets, and quantitative modelling of how plant strategies influence ecosystem function.
This opportunity is described as a domestic PhD scholarship with eligibility restricted to Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand, or applicants already onshore and eligible for higher degree research study in Australia. The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of at least AUD 35,188 per year for up to 3 years, plus a Research Training Program fee offset, an additional AUD 3,000 top-up for 2026 starters, and project support for conference attendance, fieldwork, labwork, and other approved costs.
Applicants are especially encouraged if they have a background in ecology, ecophysiology, or statistical modelling, and strong academic performance in plant biology and quantitative analysis. A current driver’s licence is required for fieldwork. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Funding details
Funded PhD project with a tax-free stipend of at least AUD 35,188 per annum for up to 3 years, supported by the Research Training Program fee offset. An additional AUD 3,000 top-up is available if starting in 2026. The stipend increases to AUD 38,707 in 2027 and is projected to rise annually. Project support of AUD 9,200 per annum is available for conference attendance, fieldwork, labwork, and other approved costs.
What's required
Applicants should have a background in ecology, ecophysiology, or statistical modelling. Eligibility is restricted to Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand, or applicants already onshore and eligible to undertake higher degree research study in Australia. Required qualifications are equivalent to an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, a coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, a Research Master’s degree, or equivalent overseas qualifications. Strong academic performance in plant biology and quantitative analysis is expected, along with enthusiasm, motivation, excellent verbal and written communication skills, willingness to learn plant ecology/ecophysiology sampling and data analysis methods, and a current driver’s licence for fieldwork.
How to apply
Review the eligibility criteria and prepare a document explaining how you meet them. Contact Professor Ian Wright to discuss eligibility and request a letter of support. Submit an Expression of Interest through the Online Portal, then complete the full application in the portal after EOI approval.
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