The Modelling Systems Team from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (University of Tasmania) is searching for a PhD student (3.5 years, starting in 2020) to work on spatial analysis of agricultural land intensification. This project expands multi-disciplinary knowledge of the trade-offs between the biophysical, social, and economic components of agricultural spatial analysis by exploring the context in which cropping intensity can be a solution for sustainable agriculture with the overarching research question being “How, where and why do natural landscape and livelihood sustainability of agricultural systems in Australia and globally, benefit from land intensification?”

Funding (operating + top-up) will be provided. In addition, candidate needs to be applied for ‘Research Training Program (RTP)’ scholarship via University of Tasmania HDR admission system. This opportunity is open for international candidates. The project is a collaboration with the Food Systems and Global Change team from CSIRO.

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree (4-year Honours) in Geography, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Computer Science, preferably having a Master’s degree by research (2-year).
Refereed publication, at least 2 publications in high-ranked journal as a first author. Publication in mid-ranked journal and co-authorship in journal/book chapter/book will be also counted.
Record of achieving competitive awards at national/international level.
Related working experience, preferably 2/3 years.
Managing outstanding referee reports (at least 2) from your peers.
Having relevant skills including GIS and image analysis.
Programming background, particularly ‘python’ is required.
Minimum IELTS score (overall band score: 6.5, no element below 6, writing 6.5). TOFEL and PTE score will be accepted as well.
Please send CV to Dr Ara and contact her for further information: iffat.ara@utas.edu.au