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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD)

PhD Scholarship in Biology, Invasion Dynamics and Management of Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is a Prohibited Matter weed threatening NSW agriculture and native ecosystems. This DPIRD-funded 3.5-year PhD project will investigate seed biology, population ecology, emergence and persistence, herbicide screening, integrated chemical and non-chemical management, and spread modelling. The candidate will be based at Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga) and supervised by CSU and NSW DPIRD scientists, contributing directly to eradication efforts for this high-priority biosecurity weed.

The applicant must be accepted as full-time into a PhD program at Charles Sturt University, and be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident.

QUALIFICATIONS (Essential):

  • Master of Science (MSc) in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Weed Science, or a closely related discipline with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with First Class Honours or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated research aptitude and strong scientific writing skills and have publications record.
  • Knowledge of or strong interest in weed science, plant biology, invasion ecology or biosecurity.
  • Willingness to obtain appropriate permits to work with Prohibited Matter (Nassella tenuissima) in NSW prior to commencement.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (Essential):

  • Proficiency in statistical/data analysis software (e.g. R) and/or computational tools (e.g. ArcGIS/GIS platforms).
  • Experience in experimental design, field/glasshouse trials, and scientific writing.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (Desirable):

  • Training or experience in pesticide application, crop protection, or herbicide evaluation.
  • Familiarity with species distribution modelling or spread modelling techniques.
  • Experience presenting at scientific conferences or workshops.

Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $38,00 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 $8,000 pa for 3.5 years full-time study to support costs associated with a candidate's research.

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.

How to apply

Applicants will be asked to apply for enrolment and the scholarship as follows:

Prospective Higher Degree by Research candidates can apply for DPIRD ALG Biocontrol PhD Scholarship when completing their Charles Sturt course admission application.

When given the option to apply for a scholarship select Yes > Full-time AGRTP > Other > Enter DPIRD MFG PhD Scholarship.

Apply now

Application timelines

Applications close 26 July 2026

Contact

Dr Md (Asad) Asaduzzaman (Principal Supervisor)
Lecturer in Crop Science
School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences
Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
Email: masaduzzaman@csu.edu.au  |  Phone: +61 2 6933 2290