Higher Degrees Scholarships

Background

Hydrogen-rich water has attracted growing interest within the scientific community due to its reported health-promoting and performance-enhancing properties. Despite increasing research attention, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the long-term effects and underlying biological mechanisms of HRW. This project will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the metabolic and physiological responses to HRW supplementation, with a focus on its potential role in managing chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome.

Project Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated PhD candidate to embark on a pioneering research project exploring the multifaceted effects of hydrogen-rich water supplementation on health and chronic diseases. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct comprehensive clinical and laboratory-based studies investigating the physiological and metabolic effects underlying HRW consumption. This research aims to generate new scientific insights that could contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based health strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Eligibility Criteria

The selection of applicants involves the consideration of academic merit and research background. The ideal applicant should possess the following:

• Either completed or be nearing the completion of a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or second-class – First Division) or a Master's degree (or equivalent) that includes a substantial research component. We are particularly interested in individuals with a background in health and/or allied health fields. This foundational knowledge is crucial for the role at hand.
• A proactive attitude, exceptional organizational skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• While the project is guided by well-defined goals and objectives, we expect the successful candidate to demonstrate the initiative and intellectual independence necessary to carry out a research project within the specified field of study.
• Candidates must exhibit outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, to effectively convey research findings and engage with the academic community.
• Additionally, a history of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals will be regarded favourably and is highly desirable.

We encourage all applicants who meet these criteria and are eager to contribute to our research endeavours to express their interest. Your dedication to advancing the field through rigorous research and scholarship will be the cornerstone of success in this role.

Location

The research will be conducted in the state-of-the-art lab facility at Southern Cross University located in the Gold Coast. As a PhD candidate, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and contribute to a pioneering study that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of hydrogen-rich water and its impact on human health.

How to apply

This opportunity is currently open exclusively to domestic applicants. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the “eligibility” section via email to Dr Vini Cruzat, vini.cruzat@scu.edu.au The supervisory team will reach out to candidates to arrange interviews, during which their research background, compatibility with the project's goals, and ability to contribute to the Southern Cross University research community will be assessed.

Stipend

This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($33,511 per annum – 2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments. Students must be enrolled full-time, on-campus, for the duration of their candidature.

Closing date

Until the position is filled

Background

This PhD project will take place alongside a larger project funded by an ARC Discovery grant looking at climate change education. Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 1992) with obligations to develop ensuing climate change education policy. However, there is currently no Australian government climate change education policy nor a corresponding school-based curriculum and pedagogy. This is in a context where young people are increasingly exposed to apocalyptic visions and lived experiences of the disastrous impacts of climate change, causing existential anxiety. This research project is a response to this lack of climate change education policy curriculum. It aims to empower children and youth (5-18 years) to generate new understandings of inherited climate change knowledge (including Indigenous and Western knowledges) in advancing climate change education. The project will involve children and young people as well as their parents.

The focus of this PhD project will be on the parents and their complex relations with country in response to rapid climate change in the Anthropocene and through the inheritance of a colonised Australia. The PhD candidate will invite parents related to the larger project to participate in their study. The larger project will inform the PhD project, and the concurrent PhD will also inform the wider project.

The candidate will be supervised by Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Lexi Lasczik and Tracey Bunda.

Location

The candidate will be required to attend research gatherings on Yugambeh (Gold Coast) and Yugerra (Ipswich) Countries.

Eligibility

Domestic students are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$34,315per annum (2026 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months beginning early 2026 and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles at amy.cutter-mackenzie@scu.edu.au  

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page statement explaining your interest and suitability for the position. Please quote the PhD title in the subject line of the email.

Background:

Industrial hemp (low-THC Cannabis sativa) is an emerging crop for Australia and has important uses as food, fibre and biomass crop. Seeds provide most of the crop value, providing high-quality oils and proteins.

Hemp is naturally dioecious and one of the few crops that exhibits a heteromorphic X/Y sex chromosome system, with males being heterogametic X/Y and females homogametic X/X. Dioecy is associated with genetic and agronomic complications, including obligate outcrossing, lack of uniformity and reduced seed yields due to half the crop being non-seed-producing male plants.

Monoecious hemp accessions exist and are increasingly favoured for fibre and seed production, exhibiting improved uniformity and overall crop efficiency. However, the relative expression of female and male flowers varies across genetic backgrounds, and a lack of understanding of the genetic and physiological mechanisms governing monoecy is limiting its utilisation in hemp improvement.

Project summary:

This Australian Research Council-funded project aims to characterise the monoecy trait in detail, using genetic, physiological and functional genomic approaches; and to exploit the resulting knowledge for improved development and control of sex expression in hemp.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to focus on quantitative genetic and functional genomic aspects of the project.  The successful candidate will map quantitative trait loci to identify genes responsible for monoecy in hemp and characterize the role of ethylene signalling in monoecy trait expression.

The successful PhD candidate will be based in Southern Cross Plant Science at the Lismore Campus of Southern Cross University (Australia). Southern Cross Plant Science is a diverse world-class team of post-graduate, post-doctoral and senior researchers spanning plant breeding, genetics, bioinformatics, agronomy, pathology and analytical chemistry.

The candidate will be integrated into the collaborative Harvest to Health Research Impact Cluster and have access to unique Cannabis-specific research facilities and infrastructure. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in biogeochemistry, environmental science, limnology or marine science.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills (in English).
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Additional experience:

• Experience with establishing mapping population, crossing and backcrossing
• Experience with genomics, transcriptomics and/or proteomics.
• Experience with statistical analyses and programming (e.g. R).

Supervisory team: 

Principal Supervisor Professor Tobias Kretzschmar; Co-supervisor Dr Jos Mieog

Scholarship: 

This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($34,315 per annum – 2026 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments.

Location: 

Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus. 

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals (<1 page).
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Expected Start Date: 

Early 2026, but the application will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants). For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor Tobias Kretzschmar 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Background:

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributed 35% of the greenhouse gas-driven global warming in 2010-2019. Resolving the sources and sinks of methane is critical for achieving our global ambitions to rapidly reduce methane emissions in the near-term future and to develop effective climate mitigation strategies. 

About half of global methane emissions come from aquatic ecosystems, mainly wetlands. Coastal “blue carbon” wetlands account for ~10% of global wetlands and are abundant along Australia’s coast. Mangrove ecosystems show high productivity and carbon burial efficiency that have been highlighted as a nature-based solution to climate change. Importantly, mangroves also represent methane hotspots that could reduce their net climate benefit, but global methane fluxes are still poorly understood, and underlying processes are largely unknown.

Project Summary:

This Australian Research Council-funded project aims to unravel the complex methane cycle in mangrove ecosystems in Australia. More specifically, we will address current research gaps by investigating methane production (source) and methane oxidation (sink) pathways in coastal mangrove forest in Australia.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to focus on field measurements of methane fluxes and controlling processes in mangrove forests, including sediments, waters, and trees. This project will use a combination of different techniques such as stable isotopes, cavity ring down spectroscopy, incubation experiments and diverse chamber methods. The project will involve periods of intensive field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing.

The successful candidate will be based in the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry at Southern Cross University (Australia). The Centre has a world-class research group with a multidisciplinary, collaborative and diverse team of post-graduate, post-doctoral and senior biogeochemists. The candidate will also work within the collaborative Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster and have access to world-class facilities and infrastructure. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in biogeochemistry, environmental science, limnology or marine science.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills (in English).
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5. 

Additional experience:

• Experience with field measurements, such as soil, aquatic and tree-stem greenhouse gas measurements, laboratory work, and data processing.
• Experience with stable isotope techniques.
• Experience with modelling and programming (e.g. R, Matlab).

Supervisory team: Principal Supervisor Associate Prof. Judith Rosentreter

Co-supervisors may include Dr. Luke Jeffrey and Prof. Bradley Eyre. 

Scholarship: This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($33,511 per annum – 2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments.

Location: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus. 

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals (<1 page).
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants). 

Expected Start Date: December 2025, but the applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants). For more information, or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Assoc. Prof. Judith Rosentreter (judith.rosentreter@scu.edu.au).

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Performance, Achievement, Training, and Health (PATH) in Esports

Project Summary

The current PhD project will investigate how healthy behaviours influence performance and development in esports players. It will include a series of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies, engaging players, parents, coaches, game publishers, and health experts. The PhD project will contribute to evidence-based strategies that practitioners can implement within the industry to foster both well-being and peak performance in their players.

Supervisory Team

Dr Kyle Bennett

Dr Dylan Poulus

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants need to possess a:

• Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or Second Class – First Division) in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Psychology, or Physical Education; OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a relevant research component in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Psychology, or Physical Education. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5. 

Scholarship

This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($33,511 per annum – 2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a research proposal (max two pages) detailing how they would approach the project. The supervisory team will contact candidates for an interview to evaluate their research experience, alignment with the project objectives, and their potential to contribute to the Southern Cross University research community.

Expected Start Date

We expect the successful candidate to start in March 2026.

Location

The successful candidate can be based on any of our campuses, but the Coffs Harbour campus is preferred. 

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Dr Kyle Bennett at Kyle.Bennett@scu.edu.au.

Fully funded PhD Scholarship in Airborne Remote Sensing of Coral Reef Health and Bleaching

Background

The increasing frequency and duration of marine heatwaves, attributed to climate change, are significantly impacting marine ecosystems worldwide. In the Great Barrier Reef, climate change is causing more frequent episodes of acute warming, leading to mass coral bleaching events. Consequently, there's a pressing need for research to identify strategies to monitor the health of the ecosystem and mitigate these environmental stressors.

The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) is a global leader in coral reef restoration and adaptation research. The collaborative effort brings together experts from Australia and around the world to develop innovative solutions aimed at protecting, restoring, and enhancing the resilience of reefs.

One of the key research and development subprograms, the RRAP Cooling and Shading R&D Subprogram, focuses on exploring technologies to mitigate coral bleaching stress by reducing solar radiation reaching the Reef. This involves investigating methods such as marine cloud brightening or fog generation to provide shade and lessen solar radiation during periods of heightened risk for coral bleaching. Our interventions range from reef-scale applications to strategies aimed at protecting the entirety of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Through these efforts, we aim to pioneer effective solutions to preserve and enhance the resilience of coral reefs in the face of climate change.

Project Summary

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate to focus on using remotely sensed hyperspectral and LiDAR data to support the Cooling and Shading Subprogram. Specifically, we wish to develop techniques for high-resolution airborne mapping of coral reef health, bleaching severity, and the outcomes of bleaching and interventions to mitigate bleaching. Our group operates airborne platforms, including a twin-engine Cessna aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, to collect observations of fogs, clouds and coral reefs. The datasets collected include spectral mapping of the reflected light signal across 487 bins and many millions of spatial pixels, requiring computationally intensive methods for analysis. The successful candidate will work to relate the patterns in the returned data to coral health metrics using in-water coral data from collaborators and/or collected during the PhD to derive new remote sensed metrics of coral health.

Additional potential project areas include the characterisation of aerosol plumes and clouds, coral reef classification and change analysis, or developing software tools to facilitate detection and processing workflows. The project will require periods of intensive field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing.

Location:

The successful candidate will be based in the National Marine Science Centre at Southern Cross University (Australia) with fieldwork taking place on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The Centre has a world-class research group with a multidisciplinary, collaborative and diverse team of post-graduate, post-doctoral and senior researchers. The candidate will also work within the collaborative Reefs and Oceans research cluster and have access to world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Selection Criteria:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team.
• A First or Second Class Honours or Master’s degree with a strong background in spatial analysis, programming, and working with geospatial datasets.
• An undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field.

Desirable experience (not essential):

• Experience with spatial and/or spectral analysis applications (e.g., ESRI, ENVI).
• Experience with modelling and programming (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python, or IDL).
• Proficiency with machine learning algorithms to facilitate image analysis of spatial data cubes.
• Experience with radiative transfer modelling.
• Knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
• Previous experience working on or collecting remote sensed data sets.
• Experience in scientific writing or publishing. 

Eligibility:

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. The successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

This opportunity is open to International as well as Australian Domestic students. Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to apply:

Please send one PDF file to daniel.harrison@scu.edu.au containing:

• a cover letter explaining your interest in this scholarship (1 page max),
• your CV (2 pages max),
• relevant degree transcripts/certificates,
• contact details for two referees and
• and any other relevant research documents (e.g., publications/theses)

 Invitation to attend an interview:

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. We hope to commence this position as soon as possible.

Background:

Presently, there is considerable variation in the approach elite speed-power athletes, coaches and support staff use in preparing athletes to perform at their best at a major Championships. Athletes, coaches, and support staff need to balance many variables, including:  i) the management of  recovery-fatigue ratios to determine the best approach in supporting athletes to perform at their highest level at key competitions, ii) organising training volumes and intensities to prepare athletes for the demands of competition, and iii) ensuring that elite speed-power athletes are robust enough to meet the demands of competition. Thus, the key goals of this PhD research project will be to a) Understand the competition demands for elite speed-power athletes, b) Identify the optimal preparation strategies balancing training load, fatigue, and recovery across a season and, c) Provide coaches and support staff with evidence-based insights and tools to better prepare athletes for competition, with the ultimate goal of improving performance readiness and availability in speed-power, and particularly relay, events.

Eligibility:

• We are looking for someone who is passionate about solving sports performance problems in an innovative and collaborative manner
• A research or applied work background in sports physiology, strength and conditioning and/or biomechanics is a must for this position
• The successful candidate must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University full-time, which includes a second-class Honours degree (or above) or a relevant research Master’s degree in sport, exercise or a related field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5. 

Location of candidate (which Campus) once in receipt of scholarship: The candidate will primarily be based at the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) offices located at Sydney Olympic Park. Travel will also be required to attend training camps and conduct data collection, including yearly training camps held on the Gold Coast. Thus, a valid driver’s licence is required.

HDR supervisors for the project: Dr Courtney McGowan (Primary Academic Supervisor), Dr Jodie-Cochrane Wilkie (Academic Supervisor), Dr Craig Pickering (Australian Athletics Industry Supervisor), Dr Simon Harries (NSWIS Industry Supervisor).

Stipend: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend of $40,000 per year for 3.5 years (tax-free).  Tuition fees will be exempt.

How to apply: 

Applicants are asked to submit the following via e-mail to Dr Courtney McGowan at Courtney.McGowan@scu.edu.au

• Using the background information provided, in 300 words or less, please outline the major research questions you would explore if awarded the scholarship
• A current two-page CV including academic qualifications, publications, and relevant experience demonstrating suitability for the proposed project
• Contact details for at least two academic/professional referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

Funding: This project is funded by Southern Cross University in partnership with Australian Athletics (AA).

Closing date: Until position is filled

Background

The Emeritus Professor Stephen Myers Scholarship honours the legacy of a true leader in integrative health. Professor Myers played a pivotal role in establishing naturopathic education at Southern Cross University, first as the head of its naturopathic program from 1995 to 2001, and later in reviving it through the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine.

Born on April 9, 1956, Myers was an early ecology activist, helping to establish Friends of the Earth NSW and leading campaigns against uranium mining and wood-chipping in the 1970s. His passion for natural medicine took root during his time in Darwin, where he became known as a "barefoot healer."

Throughout his career, he raised over $8 million in research funding, supervised 18 higher-degree research students, and authored three books, 13 book chapters, and 145 peer-reviewed research papers. He also worked extensively as a consultant to industry, government, and academia, shaping the future of natural medicine in Australia.

The intention of this scholarship is to bridge tradition and contemporary scientific knowledge, strengthen the connection between naturopathy and medicine, and facilitate the implementation and translation of evidence into practice. It stands as a tribute to advancing naturopathic and integrative medicine, helping researchers explore evidence-based natural therapies and their role in modern healthcare. By supporting investigations into plant-based compounds, non-pharmacological interventions like nutrition and mindfulness, integrative care models, and traditional healing practices, this scholarship fosters the continued development of complementary healthcare approaches that prioritise holistic well-being.

Eligibility

This scholarship is offered to outstanding candidates. Applicants should possess:

• Qualifications in naturopathy or related disciplines that allow enrolment into a PhD program with SCU (First-class honours or Master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent).
• Track record and experience relevant to naturopathic, complementary or integrative medicine.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Good teamwork abilities.

The successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, which may include visa requirements for international students.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

The successful candidate will receive a tax-free PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$ 33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months, including an additional $5,000 a year stipend top-up. Allocation of $5,000 research funds per year. For international candidates, a return airfare will be included in the offer.

The successful applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, at either the Lismore or Gold Coast campus and will be working within the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University.

How to apply

Prospective candidates should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including the contact details of three referees.
2. Cover Letter (1–2 pages) – outlining your interest in the scholarship and your suitability for the project.
3. PhD Project Proposal (1-2 pages) – detailing how the research aligns with naturopathic medicine and Indigenous health.
4. Personal Statement – explaining how your project aligns with the legacy of Professor Stephen Myers and contributes to the advancement of naturopathic medicine.

Applications must be submitted via email to:

Associate Professor Romy Lauche, Deputy Director (Research), romy.lauche@scu.edu.au 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Closing date

The Selection Panel will convene quarterly from 31 October 2025 to review applications. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Are you excited about artificial intelligence and passionate about a sustainable future? PhD Students Wanted!

Are you interested in research and looking to further your study through a PhD project? Southern Cross University (SCU) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) invite expressions of interest for PhD positions in our groundbreaking project on AI-powered digital transformation for the smart circular economy.

By joining this program, you will be part of a cohort of research students working together to develop new knowledge and tools, powered by artificial intelligence, to advance society’s transition to a circular economy. You will collaborate with leading researchers from both SCU and UTS, as well as with our industry partners, to conduct a research project addressing an industry-identified problem related to the creation of a smart circular economy.

If successful, you will enrol in studies and receive your degree from SCU but may be able to base yourself at SCU, UTS or even remotely during your studies (depending on the nature of your research project). SCU and UTS both offer a supportive research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence. You will additionally receive the following benefits:

• Total scholarship value at $42,483 (2025 RTP equivalent rate of $33,511 p.a. plus a top-up of $8,972.00) per year for 3.5 years with an allowance package available subject to conditions
• Advanced training in artificial intelligence technologies through a series of coursework modules on data-centric engineering, ethical technology, foundations of deep tech, and advanced AI/emerging technologies.
• An internship placement with an industry partner for 6 months

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must:

• Be a Domestic student. 
• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree.
• Be willing to work closely with one of our industry partners, including undertaking an internship placement with them, and undertaking coursework training in artificial intelligence.

Positions will be available commencing from 2025. We welcome students from a wide range of disciplines who are interested in applying AI to solve this important real-world problem and would particularly welcome applications from students from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous Australians, and students from regional and remote Australia.

To express your interest, please send an email with a statement of no more than 300 words describing your interest and motivation for joining the program, plus a short CV detailing your previous education and professional experience, to Professor Andrew Rose.

You can also email Professor Andrew Rose. or call on 02 6620 3189 for further information.

Beekeeping is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services in Australia estimated to be worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to 35 pollination-dependent industries is estimated at over $70 million annually. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists. The best long-term and sustainable solution for varroa control is breeding varroa-resistant honey bees (Jack and Ellis, 2021). The successful applicant will contribute to the development of a queen bee breeding program focusing on varroa tolerance by engaging with queen bee breeders and livestock geneticists and using tools, such as hygiene-eliciting brood semiochemicals for assaying honey bee colony resistance to varroa, hygienic testing, artificial insemination and genetic markers to identify varroa resistant stock within Australian honey bee populations. The candidate will also investigate genetic markers associated with tolerance to tropilaelaps mites in PNG and mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Objectives:

1. To research genetic markers associated with Varroa tolerance in Australia honey bee stock.
2. To research genetic markers associated with Tropilaelaps tolerance in honey bee stock in PNG.
3. To investigate the extent, impact and solutions for mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually)

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

The beekeeping industry is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector, compounding existing challenges of low market prices, limited succession planning and an aging industry and declining access to resources (honey and pollen flora) due to droughts, bushfires, and land clearing. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to pollination-dependent plant industries over 30 years are estimated at over $70 million annually and may exceed $135 million. Australia’s unique climate, environment and agriculture require contextualised Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to control varroa mites effectively. Australia has unique pest and diseases, honey bee flora and genetics that impact honey bees which are not seen in other countries – this reduces the applicability of research and best practice in the Australian context. Current research and best practice on varroa mites are limited to temperate climates where honey bees have natural brood (pupating bees) breaks which reduces mite population growth. In other countries honey bee viruses, such as Deformed Wing Virus, also influence economic thresholds and IPM practices. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists and is a major concern. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies tailored to regional contexts, aiming to control and mitigate the impact of Varroa mites.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate current Varroa mite prevalence, impacts and management practices in Australia and Pacific Island countries
2. To develop and test the efficacy of novel organic and biotechnical varroa control strategies
3. To develop region-specific IPM strategies for Varroa mite control.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually).

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information, or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten, (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

Southern Cross University is seeking enthusiastic students for their doctoral research on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Management. The positions will be based in Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast Campus, in Queensland, Australia. Up to three full-time PhD places are available to start in 2021-2022.

Background: This research is designed to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing healthcare.  With the increasing potential of AI technologies, healthcare management has been offered substantial opportunities to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and efficacy. For example, the current circumstances related to COVID-19 demonstrated the wide-spread applicability of AI capabilities in a range of circumstances, including AI‐assisted analysis and modelling helping to reconstruct the progression of an outbreak, predict transmission pathways, trace contacts, and determine impacts of various public health control measures. On the other hand, the use of AI raises increasing concerns from general public, industry and regulatory bodies. Issues of trust and transparency in data-driven and automated decision support are still to be consistently measured and validated for fairness and effectiveness. Similarly, anecdotal commentary suggests that low user acceptance and high degree of resistance for AI-led solutions in the healthcare sector from its primary stakeholders such as clinicians and nurses. The projects are designed to utilise both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand, evaluate current issues, mechanisms and procedures and future engagement models relating to AI in managing healthcare better.

Topics of interest include (but, not limited to);

• Confidence and trust in AI-led decision making
• AI and managing multi-stakeholder viewpoints in healthcare
• AI readiness in healthcare workforce and organisations
• Responsible AI use in healthcare management
• Increasing AI-led engagement of public healthcare
• Impact of AI in healthcare sector

Activities: The selected PhD candidates will receive a unique opportunity to engage with a range of industry partners in healthcare management and AI. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant inter-disciplinary research group that includes researchers from management, information systems and health.  

The work will include:

• A critical review of existing relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Conducting case studies on the utility of AI in healthcare management
• Developing management frameworks and theories for impactful use of AI in healthcare management
• Travel for fieldwork

What is required: The ideal candidate is highly motivated for scientific business research in the broad topic of digital business transformation. The successful applicant will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a second-class Honours degree (or above) or a relevant research masters degree in business, information systems, healthcare management or computer science. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English as well as excellent communication and team skills are expected. The position is open to both domestic and international applicants currently based in Australia. International applicants currently based overseas are welcomed to apply, however, current Australian Government border restrictions may impact their application.

What is being offered: Successful candidates will be offered a tuition fee waiver and additional funding of up to $10,000 to support research activities.

International candidates are eligible to apply, however, if successful the successful candidate will need to fund their own travel to Australia to commence studies, application fees for any required visa and overseas health cover insurance expenses.

How to apply: Applicants are asked to submit an expression of interest, which must include a short video of the proposed topic of less than 3 mins, a detailed CV, copies of previous research outputs (email to Professor Darshana Sedera at darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au). This project aims to officially start in the last quarter of 2021, but there is some flexibility with the exact starting date (upon mutual agreement). Applications will remain open until filled in 2021.

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Darshana Sedera (darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au) for an informal discussion and any further information about this opportunity.

Invitation to attend an interview: If your expression of interest is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation.