Key facts
About this scholarship
Benefits:
This scholarship supports an Industry PhD project jointly delivered by the University of New England, CSIRO and Meat and Livestock Australia. The project assesses how technology-enabled decision-making can improve productivity, environmental performance, and economic outcomes in Australian temperate beef and sheep grazing systems. Using quantitative modelling and applied case studies, the research will identify costs and benefits of technology tools, evaluate trade-offs across multiple objectives, and examine barriers and opportunities for adoption. The scholarship aims to develop an applied research leader working at the research–industry interface.
About the project:
The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program focused on applied research that solves real-world industry challenges. This scholarship supports a collaborative project between the University of New England (UNE), CSIRO Agriculture and Food, and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
The project investigates how technology-enabled decision-making can enhance triple bottom line outcomes (production, environmental sustainability, and economic sustainability) for Australian temperate region beef and sheep grazing systems. Expected outcomes include: (i) identifying the potential costs and benefits of technology-based tools for temperate ruminant grazing systems; (ii) determining optimal combinations of technology adoption and associated trade-offs under multiple objectives; (iii) completing a case study-based triple bottom line assessment of on-farm technology implementation; and (iv) identifying barriers and opportunities influencing adoption.
The successful candidate will be primarily located at CSIRO St Lucia (Brisbane) and will work with a multi-partner supervisory team. The project includes an industry engagement component and a structured professional development program to build applied research capabilities at the research–industry interface.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Scholarship stipend paid in accordance with UNE HDR scholarship payment schedules (typically fortnightly) and the CSIRO iPhD Program terms and conditions, at approximately $48,000 per annum (tax exempt; 2026 rate).
The project includes a Project Expense and Development package at approximately $13,000 per annum, administered in accordance with CSIRO iPhD and UNEs requirements and policies.
Scholarship Special Conditions:
This scholarship is subject to the UNE HDR scholarship terms and conditions, together with the CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) terms and conditions, and any additional requirements specified by the supervisory team, CSIRO and/or the industry partner (including onboarding and government background checks).
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet UNE HDR candidature requirements.
- Must remain eligible under CSIRO iPhD program rules (including citizenship, commencement timing, and not holding a prior PhD).
- Compliance with research integrity, ethics, and any required site/workplace policies.
- Compliance with CSIRO onboarding and background checks.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following core and scholarship specific eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Domestic |
| New or Continuing | New |
| Study Mode | On Campus (but the successful candidate will also be primarily located at CSIRO St Lucia). |
| Study Load | Full Time |
| Course type | Postgraduate (Research) |
Before you apply
Before you apply for this scholarship, please ensure you have read and understood the below important information:
- Cover letter/Expression of Interest addressing scholarship specific requirements and project fit
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts (and completion evidence if degree not yet awarded)
- Evidence of citizenship/residency (AU citizen/PR/NZ citizen)
- Evidence of English proficiency (if previous degrees not in English)
- Names and contact details of 2 referees
Submit an application
Candidates must complete the following HDR Scholarship Application form and submit to the UNE Graduate Research School along with the documentation listed above. Submission instructions can be found on the form.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the supervisory team. Applications may be assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Supervisory Team:
UNE University Supervisor: Associate Professor Jonathan Moss
CSIRO Supervisor: Associate Professor Sabrina Greenwood
Industry Supervisor (MLA): Dr Tony Parker
