Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Consumers prefer sweet cherries that are sweet and juicy but also have a firm texture. Growers currently use exogenous applications of plant growth regulators such as gibberellic acid (GA3) to improve quality including firmness but there is uncertainty about optimal rates and timing of application, and the unforeseen impact of high concentrations.
Recent exciting research has provided new insights into the role of endogenous plant hormones in the fruit ripening process. This project aims to harness this knowledge to examine the impact of high concentrations of GA on the quality of sweet cherry fruit in local commercial orchards. Through this PhD, the mechanism for how endogenous hormones influence fruit ripening will be better understood
This PhD project will work closely with cherry growers establishing field trials on farm to apply the hormone treatments and harvesting fruit.
This project is part of the Hort Innovation national project 'Sustainably growing Value for cool climate Horticulture' https://www.utas.edu.au/tia/research/research-projects/project/horticulture/sustainably-growing-horticulture-value-in-cool-climate-australia
This program currently has 11 PhD students working in various sectors of the Horticulture discipline.
This project comes with up to $20k of operating funds to undertake the research.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Relevant degree in Agriculture or Horticulture Science
- Excellence in written and oral communication
- Experience in basic molecular biology methods such as DNA extraction and PCR
- Experience in field, glasshouse and laboratory trials
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in the tree crop horticulture sector is highly desirable
- Drivers licence or ability to obtain one
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Alieta Eyles to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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