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PhD Scholarship - A cotton pangenome for enhanced genomic selection

Job No.: 678179

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 4-year fixed-term appointment

The Opportunity: This Project will identify key representative lines of the Australian cotton breeding population to construct a cotton pangenome. The expected outcome is to construct a cotton pangenome using the lines which are most efficient in terms of labour and financial resources. This may help increase the accuracy of genomic selection and hence increase the rate of genetic gain. 

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a university PhD program.
  2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate). 
  4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
  5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

Candidate Requirements

The student must:

  1. Be able to demonstrate and present valid and current Australian work rights 
  2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
  3. Meet university English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
  8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol between 1 July -12 December 2025.

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which shall comprise:

  • A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
  • A curriculum vitae, including a list of published works
  • A full statement of academic record, supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
  • Contact details of two academic referees
  • Evidence of English-language proficiency (if necessary)

Please submit this EOI through the application portal or via email to kathryn.hodgins@monash.edu, preferably in a single PDF attachment.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit an EOI as outlined above.

  1. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  2. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office.
  3. The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply.
  4. The application is then assessed by the host university against PhD admission criteria.
  5. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied. 

Further information 

Enquiries: Associate Professor Kathryn Hodgins, +61 3 9905 0768, kathryn.hodgins@monash.edu

Application Close: Wednesday 9 April 2025, 11:55pm AEST 

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Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.