Penfolds Evermore Viticulture and Oenology PhD Scholarship

This application is an “Expression of Interest” only because this is an externally funded award and the University has not yet secured the relevant funding from the external partner, although negotiations have commenced. 

If funding is secured on terms satisfactory to the University, the successful applicant will then be issued with a formal offer letter. However, the University is under no obligation to provide the advertised EOI scholarship if funding is not secured from the external partner, in which case, all applicants will be notified. 

The University makes no guarantees, representations or warranties that the scholarship as advertised will proceed. You should seek independent advice in relation to any significant decisions that you intend to make in reliance on this advertisement.

The Penfolds Evermore Scholarship supports a full-time PhD student on a new research project titled Managing vine nutrition to influence winemaking. 

The project will investigate how vine health and nutrition can be manipulated or optimised to complement wine practices and styles. It will explore the impacts of vine nutrition on grape composition, fermentation, and wine quality, contributing to advancements in viticultural sciences and winemaking. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to present their findings to the Penfolds and Treasury Wine Estates’ winemaking and viticulture teams. Additionally, a member of the Penfolds viticulture team will act as a mentor, supporting the successful applicant throughout their studies, facilitating communication between the successful applicant and Penfolds for any research support.

Value: Penfolds will provide $45,000 per annum for the scholarship.  The awardee will receive a stipend (living allowance) paid at the University's standard HDR Scholarship rate ($35,300 in 2025, indexed annually), with the balance of funds available for the awardee's operating expenses. 

Eligibility:  This scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand Citizens or permanent Australian residents who are eligible for higher degree candidature at the University of Adelaide.  Applicants must have completed and been awarded a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours or equivalent.

Selection criteria: 

You should have

• First Class Honours or Masters degree in winemaking or viticulture, or a relevant field such as plant sciences, food sciences, agronomy, or agricultural biotechnology.

• A strong interest in winemaking and viticulture supported by knowledge of plant nutrition and its role in grape and wine quality.  Proficiency in statistical analysis and familiarity with research methodologies, including laboratory and field work experience. Excellent skills in time and data management, as well as strong interpersonal skills

• Evidence of well-developed verbal and written communication skills.

Enquiries: 

Associate Professor Sue Bastian

School of Agriculture Food and Wine

08 8313 6647

sue.bastian@adelaide.edu.au  

Applying:

Please email your expression of interest with the subject title PENFOLDS EVERMORE VITICULTURE AND OENOLOGY PhD SCHOLARSHIP to sue.bastian@adelaide.edu.au . This should include:

• Your resume/Curriculum Vitae and copies of any published papers, patents

• Evidence of conferral of Honours and/or Masters with research project degrees and academic transcripts

An application document of no more than 2 A4 pages that

• Addresses the selection criteria

• Includes your residency status

• Includes the names, addresses and/or email details of two referees