Ready to make your mark in antimicrobial research (AMR)?
Looking for an opportunity that nurtures research excellence, real-world impact and professional development?
This PhD opportunity is for you!

In partnership with Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and the Environment (SAAFE) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), The University of Queensland and industry partner Agrobest, this PhD focusses on the development of a cooling and antimicrobial coating for common crops as a method to mitigate AMR risk.

Project summary

Program - PhD

Location - St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland

Research area - Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences

Project description

This project develops natural crop coatings with antimicrobial, cooling, and moisture control properties to reduce pesticide use and improve crop health in wheat, corn, and soybeans.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

living stipend of $45,000 per annum

funding package of $21,000 for your own personal professional development

tuition fees covered.

project consumables funding support from Agrobest and SAAFE CRC

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Supervisor

Principal supervisor

Dr Alberto Baldelli

School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

View Dr Alberto Baldelli's profile

Associate supervisor

Professor Mark Turner

School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability

View Professor Mark Turner's profile

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

previous academic record

publication record

honours and awards

employment history

Honours degree or equivalent qualification is required as the minimum educational requirement

A working knowledge of coatings, antimicrobial resistance, food science, or material science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of food science, chemical engineering, material science, or similar and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of food science, engineering, or similar is highly desirable.

How to apply

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

prepare your documentation

contact Dr Alberto Baldelli ([email protected]) to discuss your interest and suitability

submit your application by 28 November, 2025 .

This position welcomes applications from all eligible candidates regardless of their citizenship or visa status.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don't need to submit a separate scholarship application.

Apply now