PhD Fellowship in Microbiome-Engineered Grapevines, New Zealand

  •  PhD, Fellowship
  •  01-Dec-2024
  •   United States
  • $$  $35,000 per annum tax-free stipend, university enrolment fees, and operating budget

Lincoln University is offering a PhD Fellowship to tackle one of the biggest challenges in viticulture: grapevine trunk disease. You’ll be part of an innovative project applying microbiome engineering to create disease-resistant grapevines. The fellowship includes a tax-free stipend of $35,000 per annum, university fees, and research support.

To be eligible for this PhD fellowship, applicants must hold or be about to obtain a first or upper second-class Bachelor’s degree with honours or a Master’s degree in plant pathology, plant microbiology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in plant pathology and microbiology, with desirable experience in molecular tools to study microbial populations. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and must hold a current driver’s license.Lincoln University is New Zealand’s specialist university for land-based studies, with a strong focus on agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management. Founded in 1878, it is located in Christchurch, on the South Island. Lincoln is renowned for its research and teaching in areas such as agriculture, agribusiness, environmental sciences, and forestry. The university offers a collaborative and innovative learning environment, with a focus on sustainability and applied research that directly benefits industries and communities.

Lincoln University Information

Lincoln University Grants

PhD Fellowship in Microbiome-Engineered Grapevines, New Zealand Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small town of Lincoln University (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Lincoln University is a very small (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Lincoln University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 165 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 20-30% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from any country
  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship is available in the field of plant pathology/plant microbiology, with a focus on grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) and microbiome engineering.
  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Have a first or upper second-class Bachelor degree with honours or a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Have a strong interest and background in plant pathology or plant microbiology.
  • Experience with molecular tools to study microbial populations is desirable.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a research team.
  • Hold a current driver’s license.

Offered Benefits

The three-year fellowship offers a tax-free stipend of $35,000 per annum, payment of university enrolment fees, and an operating budget to support your research. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on microbiome engineering for mitigating grapevine trunk disease (GTD), with direct benefits to the viticulture industry. The research program aims to generate a GTD-tolerant plant using microbiome engineering techniques, demonstrating an environmentally sustainable solution to an ongoing agricultural problem.

The candidate will receive mentorship from staff at Lincoln University, Plant & Food Research Ltd., and the Bragato Research Institute. The expected enrolment date is 1 March 2025.

Application Process

To apply for this PhD fellowship, send the following documents to Prof. Eirian Jones ( ):

  • A cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Contact details for two referees
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