Position Details
PhD Studentship
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
PhD Studentship – Molecular Genetics of Disease Resistance: RenSeq
Technology
Reference Number:
7306
Salary Range:
Scholarship stipend is AU$30,000 per year plus a generous operating budget
Location:
Crace (Canberra) Australian Capital Territory
(must be enrolled at an Australian University)
Length of Engagement:
3 year term (concordant with existing APA or scholarship)
Applications are open to:
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Projects
Reports to the:
Research Scientist / Team Leader
Role Overview:
CSIRO Agriculture now welcomes applications for a PhD Studentship to undertake research in the application
of RenSeq technology and molecular genetics of disease resistance in wheat.
A unique opportunity for a highly motivated PhD student to undertake a research study utilizing the latest
technology(RenSeq) in gene capture to isolate and characterize some of the key genes that confer resistance
to rust diseases in wheat and contribute to global food security. Prospective applicants with an
interest/background in molecular plant-pathogen interactions, genetics of disease resistance, plant biology
combined with bioinformatics are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will work with one of the
world’s leading research teams in plant disease resistance based at CSIRO Canberra with collaborators from
the University of Queensland, University of Sydney and the John Innes Centre/Sainsbury laboratories in the
United Kingdom.
The successful candidate will work with Dr Evans Lagudah (email: Evans.Lagudah@csiro.au) in CSIRO
Agriculture’s ‘Protection against Rust Diseases’ Group in Canberra, as well as with their university
supervisor(s). Students are invited to contact Dr Lagudah to discuss this Studentship in more detail.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Characterise a range of stripe rust, stem rust and leaf rust mutants in wheat.

Generate DNA and RNA libraries from mutant and wild type rust resistance populations for RNAseq and
whole genome shotgun sequencing.

Utilise exome capture resources based on immune recognition receptor class of disease resistance genes
as bait library to enrich for resistance gene sequences.

Undertake bio-informatics analysis of nucleic acid sequence data from mutant and wild type genetic
stocks.

Collaborate with University of Queensland University of Sydney staff in the characterisation of new
sources of stripe rust resistance genes.

Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies,
diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
Evidence of academic results is required with your application.
The five criteria on which the applications will be assessed are:
1. A bachelor degree in science or related discipline
2. Quality and relevance of student project
The primary assessment criterion for the Postgraduate Scholarship is the quality and relevance of the project
being proposed. The research must be complementary to, and clearly aligned with, the advertised research
topic.
3. Academic calibre of the student
The quality of the student is also critical to the assessment of a scholarship and candidates must hold (or
expect to gain) a relevant degree from a recognised University.
4. Potential to support directions of the research area
The potential of the proposed student project to support the directions of the advertised research topic is
essential.
5. Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
CSIRO is a values based organisation. In your application you will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned
to our values of:

Integrity of Excellent Science

Trust & Respect

Creative Spirit

Delivering on Commitments
Health, Safety & Sustainability

Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at https://jobs.csiro.au/ and “Search by Keyword” for 7306. Your
application should comprise one document which incorporates the latest version of your CV plus a covering
letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role (uploaded under “Resume”).
Academic results can be uploaded under “Additional Documents”.
At any stage during the recruitment process, you may be asked to provide additional information (online)
relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time
to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not
be considered.
Advertising will remain open until the studentship is filled.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside
business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/
professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Evans Lagudah via email Evans.Lagudah@csiro.au or phone: 02 6246 5392
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Lagudah. Applications received via this method will not be
considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for
building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and
communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Agriculture
Our Agriculture business unit is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability
across the agriculture sector. The Agriculture business unit will focus on the following challenges:

crop improvement

livestock and aquaculture genetic improvement

farming systems for productivity and sustainability

interactions between agriculture and the environment; climate change, adaptation and mitigation;
science for health soils

global food security and development.