PhD Project for 2017
Exploring Burkholderia symbiosis and nitrogen fixation with Lebeckia for sustainable agriculture
Short project description & main objectives:
We are seeking an energetic PhD student to undertake an exciting doctoral research program related to investigating
legume symbioses. The symbiosis between soil bacteria (rhizobia) and legumes is an integral component of sustainable
agriculture, particularly in Australia where our nutrient-poor soils are a challenge to maintaining productive farming
systems. Over several decades, researchers in the Centre for Rhizobium Studies have evaluated and released many new
legumes and rhizobia to agriculture. One of the most recently identified are the shrub legume Lebeckia and its
Burkholderia microsymbionts.
Lebeckia ambigua is a natural component of the South African rangelands in the fynbos biome, noted for its poor soils
and low rainfall. Therefore, this plant has the potential to transform our management of currently unprofitable soils.
In this project you will investigate properties of newly discovered strains of Burkholderia root nodule bacteria. In
particular:
 Investigate the diversity of Burkholderia bacteria in target WA soils.
 Assess the Lebeckia microsymbionts for their ability to fix N2 in free-living conditions.
 Investigate the infection process that leads to an effective N 2-fixing nodule.
 Explore Burkholderia as a symbiotic organism by investigating the genomes and mutating genes with a possible
role in symbiosis and evaluating their effect on Lebeckia.
You will work with a Post-doctoral Research Fellow and experienced scientists in delivering aspects of this exciting
research program. The project team includes researchers from Murdoch University, the Department of Agriculture and
Food WA (DAFWA), and commercial seed producers and is funded through the Australian Research Council.
Principal supervisor:
Professor John Howieson
Other supervisors:
Dr Sofie De Meyer, Dr Jason Terpolilli
Contact details for further information and to [email protected]
submit an Expression of Interest:
To submit an EOI, please send Dr De Meyer your CV, academic
transcripts and a personal statement that discusses your outstanding
academic and leadership capabilities and your ability to communicate
effectively.
Closing date for Expressions of Interest:
31 July 2016
Start date of project:
Must commence between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017
Available part-time?
No
Research centre/group:
Centre for Rhizobium Studies
Since its inception in 1997, the Centre for Rhizobium Studies (CRS) has become an internationally recognised hub for
research and training in the science of the root nodule bacteria. These organisms are unique in their ability to convert
atmospheric nitrogen to plant-available nitrogen by forming symbiotic associations with legumes. In farming systems,
this biological nitrogen fixation allows for inputs of nitrogen without the need for using energy-expensive and CO2producing industrially synthesised fertilisers.
A key focus of the research at the CRS is the application of root nodule bacteria to legumes in agriculture, and to identify
and solve problems which compromise nitrogen fixation. This involves understanding and integrating root nodule
bacterial ecology, physiology, molecular genetics and symbiotic capacity. In addition, researchers at the CRS are working
to identify, characterise and describe new root nodule bacteria from Australia and all over the world.
For more information see: Centre-for-Rhizobium-Studies
Desired background of applicants:
A First Class Honours degree (or equivalent*) or master’s degree with distinction in one of the following areas: Molecular
Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Plant Biology or similar.
*Honours equivalence may be sought by applicants who do not hold a recognised Australian First Class Honours if a
successful argument can be made that the applicant has research outputs, training, and experience necessary to
undertake a substantial, independent research project
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Additional funding/scholarship provided:
A scholarship is available for this project which is valued at $26,288 per year for three years. A top-up to $30,000 may
be awarded to an applicant with exceptional research potential.
The scholarship provides a living allowance for domestic or international students. International students will need to be
competitive in the Murdoch University International Scholarship round in order for the scholarship to cover tuition fees.
Expressions of Interest will be assessed via a combination of each of the following:
• Your overall eligibility
• A written reference by a referee who is qualified to comment on your academic progress and potential
• A personal statement that discusses your outstanding academic and leadership capabilities and your ability to
communicate effectively
* Please note that this scholarship will be awarded on the basis of merit.
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