Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD)

The applicant must be an international HDR candidate, who is accepted full-time into a PhD program at Charles Sturt University.

QUALIFICATIONS (Essential):

• Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent postgraduate research degree in Entomology, Ecology, Biological Control, Botany, Plant Science, or a closely related life science discipline.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, evidenced by thesis, research project, or peer-reviewed publication(s) (highly desirable).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (Essential):

• Hands-on research experience in biological control, entomology, insect ecology, invasive species management, or plant-insect interactions.
• Experience in field surveys, ecological experimental design, and data collection in natural or semi-natural environments.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g. R, or equivalent).
• Willingness to undertake quarantine and biosecurity training for working with invertebrate biocontrol agents under Australian regulations.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (Desirable):

• Experience in host-specificity or host-range testing of biological control agents.
• Experience rearing insects under controlled or quarantine conditions.
• Proficiency in species distribution modelling  and/or spatial analysis tools.
• Phylogenetic analysis skills (e.g. MEGA, MrBayes, or similar).
• Knowledge of Australian native or invasive grasses (Poaceae), or southern African grass fauna.

CITIZENSHIP AND ENGLISH:

• International candidates are welcomed; international PhD tuition support has been approved for this position.
• English proficiency: English as first language is acceptable; otherwise IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6 in each band).

OTHER (Essential):

• Valid driver's licence (mandatory project requires extensive field travel across NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and the ACT, including remote sites).
• Willingness to travel for extended field campaigns and to work at DPIRD research facilities (NSW).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $36,00 pa for 3.5 years full-time study, payable in fortnightly instalments.

Tuition Fees: Fee exemption for a period equivalent to 3.5 years (7 sessions) for PhD at full-time study.

Operating Funds: Scholarship candidate will be provided with funds valued at $18,800 pa for 3.5 years full-time study to support costs associated with a candidate's research.

Overseas Health Cover: Scholarship candidate will be provided single OSHC for 3.5 years full-time study.

Relocation: Scholarship candidate will be provided a one-off $5,000 relocation allowance.

The scholarship is tenable for 3.5 years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.

Scholarship candidates are entitled to 20 paid annual leave working days per year and 10 paid personal leave days per year.