Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for exciting research projects focused on genetics and breeding of canola and Brassica carinata. The projects cover various aspects of genetic improvement in canola and B. carinata, including investigating phenology characteristics, analysing genotype-by-environment interactions, characterising harvestability traits and improving disease resistance.

Project 1: Genetics Controlling Phenology in Canola and B. carinata. This project aims to investigate the genetic mechanisms influencing flowering time and duration in response to varying temperature and daylength environments. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of selection strategies and molecular markers to assist in breeding efforts aimed at enhancing grain yield stability.

Project 2: Genotype by Environment Interactions associated with expression of the Omega 3 Long Chain Fatty acids in the seed from transformation events. The goal is to investigate GxE interactions, including timing of abiotic stress (high temperature and drought) and agronomic practices (time of sowing and desiccation) on seed oil content and percent seed oil long chain omega3 fatty acid (LCPUFA%). The candidate will contribute to identifying the best environments and agronomic practices for stable and optimal omega 3 quality in canola seeds.

Project 3: Optimising Harvestability Traits for Canola. This project will investigate and characterise genetic variation for key components of harvestability traits in canola including lodging resistance, pod shatter tolerance, plant biomass and plant architecture. The successful candidate will contribute to identifying optimal genetics and selection models and tools for enhancing harvestability in canola.

Project 4: Characterising Novel Major Gene Resistance to Blackleg Disease in Canola. This project will focus on Nuseed germplasm to identify sources of novel major blackleg gene resistance and characterise these for breeding purposes. The successful candidate will contribute to developing innovative selection strategies and molecular marker tools for breeding canola varieties with robust and stable blackleg resistance.

To be considered for any of these projects, the applicant must have:

·       Honours or Master’s degree in Genetics, Plant Biology, Agronomy, or related fields, with a strong foundation in plant genetics and breeding principles.

·       Proven ability to conduct independent research and manage projects, with prior experience in a research environment or relevant industry.

·       Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, statistical models, molecular marker analysis, and bioinformatics tools for data analysis.

·       Experience in conducting field trials, data collection, and familiarity with phenology traits, disease resistance and abiotic stress screening, and agronomic practices in oilseeds.

·       Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, strong communication abilities, and a demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively as a team player within a research setting.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least two academic references to jacqueline.batley@uwa.edu.au. 

Prof Jacqui batley:

Jacqueline.batley@uwa.edu.au