CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship: Assessing technology innovations in Australian temperate region beef and sheep systems

Funding and duration

four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate); four-year scholarship and research training program.

Project overview

Project title

Assessing the feasibility and sustainability of technology innovations in enhancing triple bottom line outcomes for Australian temperate region beef and sheep systems

Project description

This project will explore and assess the impact of technology-enabled decision making on production, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability on-farm. The expected outcomes include identifying the potential costs and benefits of technology-based tools for temperate ruminant grazing systems, determining optimal combinations of technology adoption and the associated trade-offs under multiple objectives, completing a case study-based triple bottom line assessment of on-farm technology implementation and identification of barriers and opportunities for technology adoption. This project will provide innovative solutions and approaches to optimise livestock and landscape interactions across the Australian sheep and/or beef sector.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisor | Jonathan Moss

Name of university | University of New England

Email address | Jonathan.Moss@une.edu.au

Faculty | Business

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisor | Sabrina Greenwood

Email address | sabrina.greenwood@csiro.au

CSIRO Research Unit | Agriculture and Food

Industry

Name of industry supervisor | Tony Parker

Name of business/organisation | Meat and Livestock Australia

Email address | tparker@mla.com.au

Further details

Primary location of student | CSIRO St Lucia, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia QLD 4067, Australia

Industry engagement component location | To be agreed between the parties prior to Student enrolment

Other locations | MLA, Level 8, 2 King Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006, Australia

Ideal student skillset | Essential:Have, or be near completion, of Honours or Masters in a relevant degree.Demonstrate evidence of strong research, communication and interpersonal skills, an ability to independently manage research projects and an ability to perform effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.Strong quantitative skills (e.g., statistics, bioeconomic/decision modelling, optimisation or systems analysis)A strong interest (with experience preferred) in temperate beef/sheep grazing systems and the ability to evaluate trade-offs across production, environmental and economic objectives.Able to undertake applied case study research with producers and stakeholders, manage data rigorously and communicate findings clearly to both academic and industry audiences. Desirable:Experience with R/Python/Matlab and/or sustainability assessment frameworks (e.g., LCA, carbon accounting) will be advantageous.

Application close date | Open until position filled

Apply | UNE