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.

Expressions of interest for this project are closed and are being reviewed by the panel.

About the project

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a National Priority Plant Pest and a highly contagious virus affecting tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies. Its presence in Australia was confirmed in 2024 on three properties in South Australia, and in January 2025 on one property in Victoria. In July 2025, it was determined that instead of eradication, the industry needs to transition to management. To prevent further spread, growers are encouraged to adopt robust on-farm biosecurity practices and to become familiar with the symptoms of infection.

There are some concerns engagement in prevention and preparedness activities remains low among growers in regions not yet affected. This presents a significant challenge: while individual action is necessary, biosecurity is not solely an individual responsibility. Preventing incursions requires coordinated, collective effort across communities and regions.

This research seeks to explore the socio-cultural, psychological, and community-level factors that influence growers’ decisions to adopt biosecurity measures. While existing literature has examined individual drivers of protective action, much of this work focuses on personal costs and benefits. However, biosecurity risks such as ToBRFV represent shared risks with collective consequences, making community-wide engagement essential.

Aim: This project aims to investigate the individual and collective factors that influence engagement in protective biosecurity practices, particularly in response to incursion risks perceived as low in severity or likelihood. It will explore how growers conceptualise risk not only to themselves but to their broader community, and how collective identity, trust, and social norms shape willingness to act.

Ultimately, the project seeks to identify strategies to mobilise communities, strengthen collective resilience, and improve compliance with biosecurity protocols across growing regions.

Approach: Grounded in psychological risk theory and social collective action frameworks, this project will be designed in collaboration with the successful PhD candidate. Potential components include:

• Literature or scoping review of individual and collective biosecurity behaviours
• Qualitative studies, including interviews with growers to explore social norms, trust, and perceived responsibility
• Online experimental surveys testing the impact of message framing on intentions to adopt protective practices

Location

You will be based in Queensland and enrolled at James Cook University. You can do your PhD in Townsville on-campus, or be enrolled as an off-campus student living in Bowen or Brisbane. Wherever you choose, you’ll be able to visit the other locations as needed.

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

Connar McShane, James Cook University.
Jenn Honnery, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
Mike Reid, Suzy Perry and colleagues, Queensland Department of Primary Industries

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

A student with a background in biosecurity, and/or social or behavioural science is preferred but not required.

This project is open to either domestic or international students.

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: EOI

Expressions of interest closed on 20 October 2025. Thank you to those who submitted an EOI. The supervisor will read your documents and share them with the project team and members of the Training Centre. 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 James Cook University. 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.