PhD Scholarships in Livestock Research

Acknowledgement of Country

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Role highlights

• Two fantastic opportunities if you are passionate about a career in research
• Gain access to CSIRO's world-class facilities and staff
• Apply for a CSIRO PhD Scholarship now!

About CSIRO

As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

CSIRO PhD Scholarships provide enhanced opportunities in science and engineering for outstanding graduates enrolling in a PhD at Australian tertiary institutions. Collaborating with us to complete your PhD degree will give your research the edge. We offer you access to our leading scientists, engineers and mentors, the opportunity to take your research to the next level in our first-class facilities and first-hand experience in an environment where our innovative research really is changing the world for the better.

CSIRO Agriculture and Food has two PhD Scholarships currently available. The two Grazing Livestock PhD scholarships are dedicated to pastoral livestock are funded though trust funds associated with the CSIRO F.D. McMaster Laboratory at the Armidale site Chiswick, the Ian McMaster Bequest, and the William McIlrath Trust. 

Project Titles

Below is a list of topics currently available under this scholarship program. Further information on the topics, including the relevant, topic-specific selection criteria, can be found in the attached document PhD-Livestock Research Scholarship projects.

1. Evaluating Tree Plantings for Productive and Sustainable Grazing Systems
2. Climate-resilient feedbase for future livestock systems
3. Precision Monitoring of Livestock-Pasture Interactions

Scholarship details

Scholarship:   Top-up of $12,000 per annum, plus operating funds $8,000 per annum, for research expenses, development and travel. In exceptional circumstances, the Ian McMaster Bequest scholarship may be awarded as a full scholarship. 

Tenure:   3 years.  One six-month extension may be possible with approval.

Reference: 104276

Further details can be found at PhD-Livestock Research Scholarship projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

• an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an International student who has the appropriate immigration approvals to take up this studentship; and
• enrolled at an Australian university as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy. The scholarship amount will be adjusted pro-rata.

Detailed eligibility requirements and assessment criteria are available at  PhD-Livestock Research Scholarship projects.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. 

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child Safety

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How to apply

To apply for these Scholarships, you will be required to:

1. submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as one document) in the ‘Resume/CV’ field which includes:

• • a statement of your chosen project (refer to the full project title), and why it is of interest to you;
  • a description of how your skills, training and background relevant to the chosen project; and
  • your motivation to pursue a PhD project in a science field relevant to grazing livestock.

     2. upload documentation of your academic record and achievements in the ‘Cover Letter’ field.

Selection of candidates will be merit-based and consider academic excellence, training and/or work experience relevant to the chosen areas of research, and alignment of research interests with the strategic research foci of the Livestock and Aquaculture research program.

Applications close

6 December 2026, 11:00pm AEDT

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the advertisement early once suitable candidates have been identified.