University of Western Australia PhD Scholarship

PhD scholarship opportunity at the University of Western Australia in crop microbiomes, climate extremes, and plant health.

This project investigates how extreme climate events affect crop-associated microorganisms and how microbial applications and bio-products can improve plant resilience to climate change and pathogen threats. The research combines field surveys and sampling, greenhouse experiments, and advanced methods such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbial culturomics, and AI-based microbiome analysis.

The project sits within the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment and is aligned with research areas including Biological Sciences, Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences, and Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will work in a supportive multidisciplinary environment with soil scientists, plant scientists, bioinformaticians, postdoctoral researchers, and other PhD students.

Funding: Stipend scholarship valued at AUD $38,110. This is a scholarship opportunity for a PhD/Doctor of Philosophy project.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet UWA Higher Degree by Research admission requirements and have previous research experience in the discipline. Relevant experimental, bioinformatics, and data-analysis skills are preferred.

How to apply: Interested applicants should first email Dr Chao Xiong with a CV, academic transcripts, and a short research statement. Shortlisted candidates only will be contacted, and the selection process may close early if suitable applicants are found.

Deadline: 22 July 2026.