Stephen Xu
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Research Training Program (RTP)
PhD in Tropical Protected Cropping and Indigenous Hydroponics Charles Darwin University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Domestic PhD scholarship with a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend of $35,489 per annum (indexed annually), a full RTP fee offset (full tuition fee waiver), and a project top-up of $16,000 per annum for 3 years.
Country
Australia
University
Charles Darwin University
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About this position
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.
Funding details
Domestic PhD scholarship with a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend of $35,489 per annum (indexed annually), a full RTP fee offset (full tuition fee waiver), and a project top-up of $16,000 per annum for 3 years.
What's required
Applicants must meet CDU PhD course entry requirements. Domestic candidates only: 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 required. Candidates should have skills or the capacity to gain skills in hydroponics and protected cropping systems, plant physiology and crop production, microbial ecology or plant-microbe interactions, laboratory analysis, or environmental monitoring/greenhouse systems. Experience with protected cropping, plant-microbe interactions, or Indigenous bush food is highly desirable. Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively, engage with industry partners, contribute to shared research activities, conduct greenhouse and experimental work in tropical conditions, live and work in Darwin, and enrol by Semester 1, 2027.
How to apply
Send an expression of interest by email to Prof. Stephen Xu with a brief cover letter, CV, and academic transcript. Do not use the Apply button. Contact Prof. Stephen Xu for enquiries.
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