PhD Scholarship at the Wright Lab: Join the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) to investigate the functional ecology of plants and explore how plant traits reflect adaptations to diverse environments. This scholarship is designed for candidates with a strong background in plant ecology or ecophysiology.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity at the Wright Lab (Western Sydney University)
Designation
PhD Candidate
Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Functional Ecology of Plants |
| Location | Western Sydney University, Australia |
| Scholarship Amount | $35,188 AUD per annum (tax-free) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Possible for international candidates |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | Required for international candidates |
Eligibility/Qualification
- Qualifications equivalent to:
- Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree
- Coursework Master’s with at least a 25% research component
- Research Master’s degree
- Equivalent overseas qualifications
- Strong academic performance in plant biology, ecology, and quantitative data analysis
- Motivation for advanced studies
- Willingness to learn field and data analysis methods
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Current driver’s license (required for fieldwork)
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency
Description
This PhD scholarship allows you to explore two exciting research directions:
- Climate Adaptations in Australian Native Grasses:
- Investigate ecological and physiological traits in field or glasshouse settings.
- Analyze trait datasets to understand grass function and climate resilience.
- Plant Resource “Economics”:
- Focus on woody species and their trade-offs in acquiring light, CO₂, water, and nutrients.
- Conduct field measurements and analyze data from various habitats.
How to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria and prepare documentation demonstrating compliance.
- Contact the lead researcher (Distinguished Professor Ian Wright) via email to discuss your qualifications and project interest.
- Request a letter of support from Prof. Wright for your application.
- Submit an online application via the Online Portal under ‘Project Scholarship’.
Note: Applications must conform strictly to the outlined requirements.
Last Date to Apply
11:59 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) on 30 October 2025.
For additional inquiries, contact Prof. Ian Wright at ian.j.wright@westernsydney.edu.au.
