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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

Full funding available

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

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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