We’re seeking outstanding PhD applicants to innovate novel approaches to prevent, respond to, and recover from plant pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment.

See the benefits of our PhD program.

We are offering generous PhD scholarships ($40,000 per annum, tax-free) with placements within government, industry and businesses that will prepare you for a future career as a biosecurity leader. 

18 fully funded scholarships are available. Funding is for 3.5 years. PhD projects are available in: 

• Diagnostics and surveillance 
• Data-driven decision making 
• Adoption practices 

We are committed to providing an exceptional PhD experience. As a Centre student you will receive mentoring from these leaders and have free access to training courses in leadership, communication, professional and technical skills. Additional internal funding opportunities are available to Centre students for project ideas. Our Centre students are funded to travel Australia for Training Retreats, Centre Forums and placements, and will build a network of fellow students and leaders.  

Across government and industry, our partners are constantly seeking PhD qualified employees. Doing your PhD with the Training Centre will give you the networks, knowledge and confidence to land a job you love after graduating.

Now shortlisting

Efficacy of eDNA as a surveillance tool for Northern Australia

Expressions of interest closed on 10 November 2025.

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. 

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. 

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. Note: This project is now open to Australian and international students.

Enhancing grower engagement in preparedness activities

Expressions of interest closed on 20 October 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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For the PhD and postdoctoral positions that are already filled, see our projects.

Special PhD features to kickstart your career

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Get in touch to share your research interests and contact information. We’ll contact you to discuss your interests.