WSU
Microbiome-based strategies for enhancing drought resilience in native vegetation
Self-funded
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Biological Sciences
🎓 Climate Science
🎓 Ecology
🎓 Environmental Sciences
🎓 Microbiology
🎓 Plant Biology
microbiome
climate adaptation
drought resilience
environmental biology
plant-microbe interactions
restoration ecology
soil science
Fully funded PhD at Western Sydney University investigating how soil and root microbiomes enhance drought resilience in native vegetation, combining laboratory, field, and applied ecological research.
Project Description
This PhD is part of the federally funded Future Drought Fund ‘DRI.SEED’ project, focused on improving drought resilience and ecosystem function in native ground cover within agricultural landscapes.
The project explores how soil and root-associated microbial communities influence plant establishment, stress tolerance, and resilience under drought conditions. The research integrates laboratory experiments, controlled studies, and field-relevant approaches to generate both ecological insights and practical solutions for land management and restoration.
The candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team spanning plant ecology, soil science, and microbiome research, contributing to sustainable land management under increasing climate variability.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
• Background in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, plant-soil science, or related field
• Strong academic performance in relevant subjects
• Interest in microbiome science and plant–microbe interactions
• Experience with microbial molecular methods or plant–soil systems (desirable)
• Qualifications equivalent to: First Class Honours, Research Masters, or coursework Masters with research component
• English language proficiency (for international applicants)
• Background in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, plant-soil science, or related field
• Strong academic performance in relevant subjects
• Interest in microbiome science and plant–microbe interactions
• Experience with microbial molecular methods or plant–soil systems (desirable)
• Qualifications equivalent to: First Class Honours, Research Masters, or coursework Masters with research component
• English language proficiency (for international applicants)
How to Apply
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the university online portal, then complete full application after approval.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DE
Dr Eleonora Egidi; Prof Paul Rymer
Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
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