Embark on a career-defining journey with this PhD project. You’ll acquire the skills and networks necessary to secure positions in government, industry, or academia upon graduation. With the confidence to advance into diverse, rewarding leadership roles with excellent earning potential, you’ll be well-prepared for your future.

As a PhD student in the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity, you’ll join a collaborative research partnership between three universities and over 20 partner organisations, funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC). This is one of 20 PhD projects offering opportunities to explore Australia from its stunning beaches to its rugged bushlands.

Note: This project is now closed.

About the project

The Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, operates in the remote landscapes of Northern Australia, a region of dynamic biosecurity risk which is susceptible to invasive pests and diseases from neighbouring countries. Surveillance, detection, and rapid response to biosecurity threats is complex due to vastness, remoteness, and ecological diversity. 

Environmental DNA/RNA-based surveillance offer a unique opportunity to monitor the incursion and proliferation of exotic pests and diseases in remote areas in the north. It encompasses multiple methods and techniques that complement surveillance applications, allowing for cost effective way to indicate the presence of pests or pathogens. 

Aim: This project aims to validate and test eDNA-based surveillance protocols to complement biosecurity operations and inform biosecurity risk management in Northern Australia and remote areas. 

Approach: The approach may include:

• Working with supervisors to identify two suitable models for the project that represent insect and a plant/fungal life cycles.
• Trialling survey methods and assays for airborne eDNA sampling and preservation of the targets using single-use devices (e.g. 24-hour deployment, multi-day deployment). 
• Conducting a multi-marker analyses on the target models. Compare that data with other current methods of surveillance to validate the eDNA findings, for example, large eDNA samplers in botanic gardens or other locations in Darwin and Cairns, and conventional visual and transect surveys. 
• Validating molecular workflows to achieve 95% detection sensitivity of eDNA results to reliably notify and trigger surveillance activities.
• Completing site occupancy models for insect and plant/fungi life cycles to inform sampling effort of routine surveillance applications in Northern Australia.
• Completing a cost-effective analysis on the use of single-use airborne eDNA samplers in remote locations.

Field work will be performed in collaboration with NAQS field teams as part of surveillance operations of the program. 

Location

We have some flexibility for you to be based in Cairns, Townsville, Darwin or Canberra. Either way, you will be enrolled at the University of Canberra. There will be significant travel in this project, between Canberra and northern Australia, including in remote areas.

As a student in the Training Centre, we’ll cover your travel to Centre Forums, Training Retreats, and conferences. This will include networking with like-minded people by the beach in tropical North Queensland, in the bush outside Canberra, and in capital cities around Australia.

Supervisors and advisors

Alejandro Trujillo-Gonzáles, Dianne Gleeson, and Catherine Dawson, University of Canberra
Bernie Wittwer, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Benefits and career pathway

This project will build your technical skills and professional networks that equips you for a career as a leader in biosecurity. The Training Centre will provide a range of training opportunities including leadership, cultural awareness and communication. These are the skills your future employers are looking for. We know our partners are experiencing a shortage in PhD qualified employees, and while we can’t guarantee you a job, we can see a lot of great jobs out there and we’re committed to providing you with the networks, skills and knowledge you need to land a job you love.

During your PhD you’ll receive a $40,000 tax-free stipend a year for 3.5 years (that’s $1500 a fortnight), and we’ll cover your travel costs to Training Retreats, Centre Forums and more.

About you

We are seeking a student with molecular skills (e.g., DNA extractions, purification, metabarcoding and qPCR analyses) and confidence with working with a team in the field or remote locations. Skills in bioinformatics will be highly regarded. 

You’ll have either Honours (First Class or 2A) or a Masters by Research – or their international equivalents – or an equivalent level of research experience gained from employment. If you’re not sure if you are eligible, please contact plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au and we’ll assist you.

We encourage applications from peoples of all abilities, identities and backgrounds. We acknowledge the importance of First Nations peoples continued caring for country and welcome applications from Indigenous Australians. We also recognise that people often experience breaks or different pathways in their studies and/or careers. If there are circumstances you believe we should be aware of, please include a statement and we will take it into consideration when evaluating your applications.

How to apply

We have a two-step application process.

Step 1: Expressions of interest closed 10 November 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 30-minute interview.

Step 2: Application

If you’re the preferred candidate, the supervisor will email you to invite you to apply to University of Canberra. You’ll be guided through the paperwork to confirm your eligibility and then the university can make a formal letter of offer. This process takes about eight weeks. Once you have accepted the letter of offer, your place is confirmed.

The university will then contact you to complete enrolment documents. We’ll reach out to formally welcome you to the Training Centre and set up your start date and induction.

Questions? Check out our FAQs. Questions about this project can be directed to Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer, at plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au or +61 459 341 281.