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The University of Queensland

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Research project scholarship

PhD in Causal and Adaptive Learning for Agronomic Decisions and Knowledge Exchange in Sorghum The University of Queensland in Australia

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Research project scholarship with a living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Deadline

Oct 20, 2026

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Country

Australia

University

The University of Queensland

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Agriculture
Rural Sociology
Mixed Methods Research
Earth Observation
Evidence Synthesis
Knowledge Exchange
Economics

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About this position

PhD opportunity at The University of Queensland in causal and adaptive learning for agronomic decisions and knowledge exchange in sorghum.

This project is embedded in SorGain, a research program focused on improving sorghum productivity by closing the gap between actual and water-limited yield potential across Queensland and New South Wales. The research sits at the intersection of Agriculture, Economics, Sociology, and environmental data analysis, with strong links to agronomy, crop modelling, Earth observation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

You will examine how agronomic evidence supports defensible sorghum management decisions and how recommendations are communicated, interpreted, and applied by researchers, growers, and advisers. Methods may include contribution analysis, process tracing, interviews, workshops, and observation of knowledge-exchange activities. Data sources include field trials, National Variety Trials, crop models, farm records, meteorological and soil data, plant-available water estimates, yield-gap analyses, and project decision records.

The project is based at the Centre for Crop Science, QAAFI, UQ St Lucia. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment spanning agronomy, physiology, crop modelling, system assessment, and agricultural extension, and engage with growers and advisers through SorGain’s Knowledge Partnership Network and National Grower Network activities. Domestic travel is expected.

Funding: Research project scholarship with a tax-free stipend of $39,220 per annum (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Eligibility highlights: Applicants should have a background in agricultural science, agricultural extension, rural sociology, or a closely related discipline. Competitive assessment considers academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. MERL knowledge is beneficial, and mixed-methods research, evidence synthesis, causal reasoning, qualitative interviewing, and/or quantitative data analysis are highly desirable.

How to apply: Submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD by 20 October 2026. In the Scholarship/Sponsorship section, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project, select Research project scholarship, and use scholarship code SORGHUM-YADAV. Contact Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav for questions about fit.

Funding details

Research project scholarship with a living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

What's required

Applicants are assessed competitively based on academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. A background in agricultural science, agricultural extension, rural sociology, or a closely related discipline is required, with potential for scholastic success. Working knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) would be beneficial. Experience or knowledge in mixed-methods research, evidence synthesis, causal reasoning, qualitative interviewing, and/or quantitative data analysis is highly desirable. Applicants should check eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

How to apply

Submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program by 20 October 2026. In the Scholarship/Sponsorship section, select 'Yes' for advertised project, enter 'Research project scholarship' as the project, use scholarship code SORGHUM-YADAV, and include the scholarship advertisement link. Contact Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav if you have questions about fit.

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