The Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA) at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is seeking applicants for PhD opportunities focused on advancing tropical protected cropping systems and hydroponic production in Northern Australia. This project investigates creative approaches to growing temperate leafy greens and Indigenous plant species under challenging tropical conditions, aiming to improve local food production, support Indigenous enterprises, and strengthen food system resilience in the Northern Territory.

Two PhD scholarship opportunities are available.

Scholarship and financial support:

- For Domestic Candidates
- Research Training Program (RTP) stipend ($35,489 per annum from 2026, indexed annually and tax exempt) for up to 3 years from commencement, open to Australian citizens/residents or New Zealand citizens (domestic students).
- RTP Fee Offset (full tuition fee waiver).
- Stipend top-up of $16,000 per annum for 3 years.
- Relocation assistance up to $2,000 may be available.
- For International Candidates
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Stipend of $35,489 per annum from 2026 (indexed annually) funded by the project for 3 years.
- One international appointment available; outstanding academic performance required.

About the project:

Northern Australia faces significant challenges in producing reliable, affordable, and locally grown fresh food due to extreme climate, biosecurity pressure, and supply chain reliance on southern Australia. Protected cropping technologies offer solutions by improving crop resilience, water efficiency,



and productivity under tropical conditions.

The project will evaluate and demonstrate Orlar International’s microbial-active hydroponic system, combining greenhouse design, substrate technology (Orlarock), and microbial consortia for the cultivation of leafy greens and Indigenous plant species in the NT.

The project is a collaboration between CDU and Orlar International, with links to Indigenous bush food enterprises and broader food system initiatives. Funded by Future Food Systems CRC.

- Position 1 – Tropical Protected Cropping and Hydroponic Systems: Focus on system performance, greenhouse climate management, productivity, and scaling hydroponic systems under tropical conditions.
- Position 2 – Microbial Enhancement of Hydroponic Indigenous Crops: Focus on microbial consortia development, plant–microbe interactions, and improving yield and quality of Indigenous crop species.

Both PhD candidates will work at CDU Casuarina in Darwin within an integrated program combining greenhouse trials, microbial analysis, and industry translation. Candidates are expected to collaborate throughout the project.

About you:

- Research background in a relevant discipline (agricultural science,



horticulture, soil/microbial biology, plant physiology, controlled environment agriculture, environmental science, or related field).
- Skills or interest in hydroponics, plant physiology, microbial ecology/plant–microbe interactions, laboratory analysis, environmental monitoring, or greenhouse systems.
- Motivation for industry-linked, applied research and willingness to be based or relocate to Darwin.
- Generous financial support and stipend top-up for domestic candidates.
- Work on cutting-edge tropical hydroponic systems.
- Direct industry collaboration, engagement with Indigenous enterprises, and strong impact potential in agriculture and sustainability.
- Professional skills development and access to student support services at CDU.

Selection criteria:

- First Class Honours or equivalent in relevant fields.
- Experience with protected cropping, plant–microbe interactions, or Indigenous bush food desirable.
- Ability or willingness to work in tropical environments, collaborate in teams, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to research and reporting.
- Must meet CDU PhD and RTP entry requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion:

CDU promotes diversity and inclusion, celebrating differences and maintaining a welcoming, supportive environment for all staff and students.

Commencement date: Ideally before 31 August 2026 or ASAP (for international students requiring a visa).

Application closing date: 11:59 pm (AEST) August 1, 2026

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📌 PhD Opportunities: Tropical Protected Cropping & Indigenous Hydroponics (Darwin)
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