Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and the Head of the Herbicide and Antimicrobial Innovation Laboratory at the University of Adelaide. The Soares da Costa laboratory focuses on developing innovative strategies to mitigate the rise in herbicide and antimicrobial resistance that threatens the global agricultural and health industries.

The two PhD research scholarships (New Approaches to Combat Herbicide Resistance in Weeds) are funded by the Australian Research Council to support two full-time PhD students to undertake research in herbicide discovery and development. The students will leverage and develop their skills and expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and/or plant science to pioneer strategies to prolong the effectiveness of herbicides, develop new herbicides, and monitor herbicide resistant weeds. The projects will lay the foundations for significant long-term benefits to farmers and consumers, both in Australia and globally, including increased crop yields and improved food security.

Based at the University of Adelaide, the students will learn multi-disciplinary skills, work with a vibrant team led by Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa encompassing postdoctoral researchers, PhD and Honours students, and collaborate with national and international researchers in academia and industry.

Eligibility:

Must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian permanent resident, or have, or are eligible to apply for a relevant international visa, and must meet the eligibility criteria for enrolment in the Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Adelaide.  Successful applicants are expected to commence studies by 31 March 2025.

Stipend:

The scholarship will be for 3.5 years and has a stipend of $34,210 (indexed annually) per annum. It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval. 

Enquiries:

Contact Person: Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa

School/Discipline:  Waite Research Institute

Tel: (08) 8313 1069           Email: tatiana.soaresdacosta@adelaide.edu.au.au

Applying:

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa (tatiana.soaresdacosta@adelaide.edu.au.au) with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Translations of non-English documentation (if applicable)
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Curriculum vitae

• Cover letter that outlines your:

1. demonstrated research capability through thesis work, practical laboratory experience, or a combination of education and experience in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and/or plant science;
2. interests in the research program led by Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa;
3. willingness and enthusiasm for working in multidisciplinary teams and environments; and
4. demonstrated ability to work independently and be self-motivated to complete research to a high standard.