PhD Scholarship Sugarcane subsoil management for improvement of nutrient use efficiency

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to join our soil biogeochemistry research team at Griffith University. The primary focus of this position is to investigate the role of sugarcane subsoil management on improvement of nutrient use efficiency. This project requires conducting laboratory/fieldwork/research in collaboration with other project participants.

Australian sugarcane farmers face declining productivity and sustainability due to deteriorating subsoil conditions. This project aims to enhance nutrient use efficiency and increase sugarcane yield through subsoil management specifically by applying organic amendments. This approach is expected to boost soil organic matter nutrient supply physical structure water retention microbial activity and pH buffering capacity in the sugarcane rhizosphere.

Key project objectives include:

Assessing the impact of subsoil organic amendments on nutrient use efficiency in sugarcane systems.

Evaluating subsoil health through comprehensive physical chemical and biological indicators.

Establishing a positive relationship between improved subsoil conditions and increased sugarcane yield.

The project will leverage Griffith Universitys research facilities Sugar Research Australia and Burdekin Productivity Services field management and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries life cycle cost analysis expertise. This research will equip end-users like farmers agronomists and policymakers with robust evidence-based management strategies for optimising soil health nutrient use efficiency and boosting sugarcane yield especially in regions characterised by poor soil organic matter and adverse subsoil conditions.

Qualifications :

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role you will hold a qualification in soil science biogeochemistry environmental science or other relevant disciplines. You will have evidence of a passion for soil science with a strong desire to undertake research in sugarcane cropping systems.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed or expect to complete a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information :

About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University weve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffiths strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EOI Process
Please do not select the APPLY button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Sunday 22 March 2026 11:59pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr Mehran Rezaei Rashti
Phone: (07)
Email:

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07)
Email:

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time