PhD scholarship opportunity

ARC Research Hub in Responsible AI for a Sustainable Grain Industry (gRAIn) aims to revolutionise Australia’s grain industry by developing innovative responsible AI (RAI) technologies that drive sustainable growth. Through RAI, sustainable grain practices, biophotonics, and digital carbon management, the hub will address current challenges while generating new knowledge and opportunities. Key outcomes include cutting-edge RAI technologies tailored for grain applications, leading to reduced fertiliser and diesel use, lower carbon emissions, enhanced carbon sequestration, and better climate adaptation. These innovations will transform the grain industry into a thriving, sustainable sector that support international carbon mitigation commitments and positions Australia as a global leader in grain production.

The ARC Research Hub gRAIn is led by Distinguished Professor Jie Lu at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in partnership with Adelaide University, Murdoch University, and various industry partners. More information for the ARC Research Hub gRAIn can be found at: https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/Web/Grant/Grant/IH250100003.

Scholarship Value & Duration

The successful candidates will receive an ARC-funded PhD stipend of $41,555 per annum (tax-free, 2026 rate), indexed annually, for up to 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress. Recipients will also participate in industry-based placements with the industry partners related to the student’s area of research, along with a professional development program. The Scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research or another institution. The successful applicant can enrol in Research Session 2 between July and November 2026.

Who is Eligible?

Selection Criteria

  • Be eligible for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

  • Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree with honours (minimum second class) or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component

  • Meet UTS English language proficiency requirements, where applicable

  • Have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline. This may include, but is not limited to artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, engineering/bio-engineering, agriculture, or a closely related field

  • Be able to undertake the PhD on a full‑time basis

  • Demonstrate appropriate research capability, including research methods training and academic writing skills

  • Be willing to undertake research aligned with the objectives of the ARC Research Hub in Responsible AI for a Sustainable Grain Industry (gRAIn Hub)

  • Be eligible to enrol as a domestic or international research student, subject to visa and university requirements

  • Meet the conditions for ongoing satisfactory academic progress in accordance with UTS policies

  • Recipients cannot receive another Commonwealth supported award while receiving this Scholarship.

  • It is a condition of accepting this Scholarship that recipients agree to undertake a substantive engagement with our industry partners as a core component of the PhD.

This ARC-ITRH Scholarship is designed to support outstanding PhD scholars who are highly motivated to drive groundbreaking advancements and high impact applications in Responsible AI for a Sustainable Grain Industry. Applications will be assessed by researchers and academics from the ITRH through a competitive assessment process, based on the following criteria:

  • Academic merit

  • Knowledge in the ITRH gRAIn Research Hub’s field

  • Research project experience

  • Publications

How to Apply

The application process has two stages:

Stage 1:

Please send a copy of your CV, including details of educational attainment, employment history, publication activities, and citizenship, together with a cover letter to AI-GRAINHUB@uts.edu.au, by 15 June 2026.

The ARC-ITRH project encourages applications from women, Indigenous Australians, and applicants with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Applicants are welcome to include this information in their applications.

Stage 2:

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the preferred candidate will then work with the supervisory panel to prepare a research proposal for formal application to the relevant university.