PhD Scholarship at University of Southern Queensland: Improving cropping decisions with AI-enhanced weather forecasts

PhD Scholarship at University of Southern Queensland: Improving cropping decisions with AI-enhanced weather forecasts

This PhD project, offered through the CSIRO Industry PhD Program, focuses on using advanced weather forecasting, crop modelling, and digital decision tools to improve on-farm decisions for Australian grain growers. Based at UniSQ Toowoomba and CSIRO Brisbane with strong industry collaboration, the candidate will gain hands-on applied research experience, access to national datasets and modelling platforms, and opportunities for publications, conferences, and impactful industry outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The applicant must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and meet UniSQ’s PhD admission and English language requirements.
2. The applicant must hold an Honours (First Class or 2A) or equivalent, or a Master’s with a significant research component.
3. The applicant must not be receiving equivalent support exceeding 75% of the stipend rate, must not have previously completed a PhD, must be able to commence in the year of offer, enrol full-time, and be based at the approved project location(s).

Selection Criteria: 

1. Knowledge and/or experience in crop simulation, agricultural or environmental modelling, and programming skills (e.g., R, Python).
2. Exposure to climate/weather data, forecasting systems, geospatial tools, and an interest in advanced analytics such as machine learning, AI, or cloud computing.
3. Ability to work effectively with industry, government, or multidisciplinary research teams.

Application Criteria: 

1. The applicant must provide a curriculum vitae, including any research presentations and/or publications, and education qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards).
2. The applicant must submit their application via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System by the closing date.

Award: Stipend of AUD 47,000 (2025 rate). A project expense and development package of up to AUD 13,000 per annum.

Deadline: Open until scholarship is filled. Ideally seeking early 2026 commencement.

Note: Maximum period of tenure of an award is 4 years. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree will be deducted from the period of tenure.