Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)

QAAFI is a research institute of the University of Queensland (UQ) which was established in 2010 and comprises of four research centres – the Centre for Crop Science, the Centre for Horticultural Science, the Centre for Animal Science and the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences.

QAAFI’s team of 450 researchers, postgraduate students and support staff undertake high impact science for agriculture and food industries. The institute’s strong partnership with the Queensland Government provides our researchers with a direct link to the agriculture industry in Queensland, and world class field research facilities throughout Queensland. Agriculture is one of UQ’s highest ranked research fields nationally and internationally and QAAFI is a global leader in agricultural research in subtropical and tropical production systems.

The award

The aim of the project is to develop a sustainable solution using clay particles to deliver RNA to protect Queensland’s sheep from flystrike and lice infestation. Current control measures mainly rely on vaccination or chemical control, causing issues of residue and toxicity. Both of these pathogens have developed resistance to nearly all control chemicals used in the past. This project will deliver a clean-green formulation to counter chemical resistance, improve animal welfare, reduce residues in products, allowing better responses to market demands.

Selection criteria

BSc with Honours Class I or Masters in a relevant field. Previous experience in molecular biology, insect pathogen, animal or veterinary science, and sound knowledge of RNA interference (RNAi) pathways in insects is highly desirable.

To be eligible to apply, you must also meet the entry requirements for Higher Degrees by Research at UQ. Please visit the Graduate School’s website.

Remuneration

The 2020 Research Training Program (RTP) living allowance stipend rate is AUD$28,092 per annum (indexed annually), which is tax-free for three years with two possible extensions of up to 6 months each in approved circumstances (conditions apply). Click here further information on this scholarship.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact Dr Karishma Mody.

How to apply

Please visit the advertisement on the Grad School website here for information on how to apply.

Please do not click the apply button.