Higher Degrees Scholarships

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Research Scholarships

Scholarships offered through the Graduate School at Southern Cross University are underpinned by three key factors.

Graduate School scholarships form part of Southern Cross University’s overall suite of scholarships  – including many postgraduate scholarships  – offered thanks to our generous private donors, government and industry groups, other stakeholders, and the University itself.

Acute Interventions to Enhance Performance in Speed-Power Athletes

Are you passionate about investigating how the performance of elite athletes can be enhanced? Three premier organisations are collaborating to support an industry-embedded PhD scholarship: Southern Cross University (SCU), the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Australian Athletics (AA). The PhD research will address a key component of AA’s High-Performance strategy, “optimising performance on the day of competition”. Using a co-design approach involving athletes, coaches, support staff and specialist university academics, the aim of this research is to develop and evaluate the impact of acute competition day interventions on the performance of elite speed-power athletes.

Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Courtney McGowan 
Email: courtney.mcgowan@scu.edu.au

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Combined Exercise and Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors

Exercise and mindfulness interventions offer well-documented benefits for cancer survivors. While each approach is supported by strong evidence, research on their combined effects is limited. The aim of this pilot study is to design and examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a combined exercise and mindfulness intervention for adult cancer survivors.

Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Belinda Barton 
Email: belinda.barton@scu.edu.au

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Nutritional Supplementation of Hydrogen Rich Water.

This opportunity welcomes a dedicated and ambitious PhD candidate to embark on a fully funded research journey exploring the multifaceted effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) supplementation. This project will delve into the in vitro and in vivo implications of HRW in the realms of health optimization, particularly during exercise, as well as its potential therapeutic benefits in managing chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Closing date: Until position is filled 
Contact: Dr Vini Cruzat
Email: vini.cruzat@scu.edu.au 

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AI-powered digital transformation for the smart circular economy.

Are you excited about artificial intelligence and passionate about a sustainable future?

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.

Closing date: Until the position is filled 
Contact: Professor Andrew Rose
Email: andrew.rose@scu.edu.au

 

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Recycled polymers with fire resistance

Southern Cross University, in conjunction with the University of Southern Queensland, is offering a PhD scholarship to a successful candidate to work on recycled polymers with fire resistance.

Manufacturing building material from recycled plastics is gaining in popularity world wide.  However, a challenge of this approach is to mitigate the flammability of plastic material by retarding combustion, an essential property when manufacturing building material for human habitation.  Therefore, we are seeking an enthusiastic and chemistry-loving student to work with us on developing these materials further with local industry and world-class testing facilities.

EoI Closing date: 28 February 2025
Contact: Dr Lachlan Yee
Email: lachlan.yee@scu.edu.au
 

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Climate Country: Advancing Child and Youth-led Climate Change Education with Country

This PhD project will take place alongside a project funded by an ARC Discovery grant looking at climate change education. The focus of this project will be on parents and their complex relations with country in response to rapid climate change in the Anthropocene and through the inheritance of a colonised Australia.

Closing date: Until position is filled 
Contact: Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles
Email: amy.cutter-mackenzie@scu.edu.au 
 

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Advancing Honey Bee Breeding for Varroa Tolerance and Productivity in Pacific Island Countries and Australia

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

Closing date: Until the position is filled 
Contact: Dr Cooper Schouten
Email: cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au 

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Bees swarming

Integrated Pest Management for Control of Varroa in Pacific Island Countries and Australia

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.

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.

Closing date: Until the position is filled 
Contact: Dr Cooper Schouten
Email: cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au 

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Varroa mite on bee

Enhancing Agricultural Mechanization for Sustainable Farming Practices in Northern River Regions.

By addressing the specific agricultural production challenges the Northern Rivers region faces, this scholarship aims to provide practical solutions that will support the local agricultural sector and facilitate its resurgence in the aftermath of the 2021 flood disaster.

Closing date: Until position is filled 
Contact: Dr Mustafa Ucgul
Email:
mustafa.ucgul@scu.edu.au 

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harvester in field

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Management PhD Scholarship

Southern Cross University is offering a tuition fee waiver to study Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Management.

Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Professor Darshana Sedera
Email: darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au

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Artificial Intelligence screen

Australian Government Research Training Program

Research Training Program scholarships are provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government and Southern Cross University. 

They are offered to high-achieving domestic and international research candidates. Successful candidates are awarded a full tuition offset and a living allowance, which may be indexed annually.  

Applications for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) for 2025 are now closed.

Information: Australian Government RTP Scholarships Information to Applicants

Man in lab coat conducting research in plant science laboratory

Background:

Presently, there is considerable variation in how athletes and coaches approach their preparation for competition day performance. In recent years, there has been an emerging body of research focused on key physiological interventions that can acutely enhance speed-power sports performance. These include post-activation potentiation performance enhancement (PAPE), neuromuscular priming, and passive heat maintenance strategies. These interventions have been examined and successfully implemented in sport-specific settings including Track Cycling, Swimming, Bob-Skeleton and Rugby Union. The primary goal of this PhD research project will be to investigate how this emerging body of research can be most effectively utilised to create a competitive advantage for elite speed-power athletes inclusive of 100m, 200m and 4x100m track sprinters. A critical component of this research will be to determine how these new competition day preparation strategies can practically and feasibly be implemented on a consistent basis within the often chaotic environment of the competition day.

Eligibility:

  • We are looking for someone who is passionate about solving sports performance problems in an innovative and collaborative manner.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 
  • 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
  • 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:

Gold Coast Campus. Some travel will be required to attend training camps and conduct data collection. 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 Christopher Stevens (Academic Supervisor), Dr Craig Pickering (Australian Athletics Industry Supervisor).

Stipend:

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend of $40,000 per year for 3.5 years.  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 investigate if you were appointed to this project.
  • A current 2 page CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant experience demonstrating suitability for the proposed project.
  • Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
  • Applicants will be shortlisted and invited for an interview with a panel of at least three members.

Funding:

This project is funded by Southern Cross University in partnership with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Australian Athletics (AA).

Background

Adult cancer survivors often experience psychological and physical challenges such as anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain. These factors can negatively impact their quality of life, highlighting the need for holistic care to improve both mental and physical health.

Exercise and mindfulness-based interventions, when implemented independently, are proven to improve many of the challenges cancer survivors face. However, research on their combined effects on cancer survivors remains limited despite promising evidence suggesting they may work synergistically to improve outcomes.

Study Objectives

The successful applicant will design and conduct a pilot study investigating the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a combined exercise and mindfulness intervention for adult cancer survivors. Key objectives include but are not limited to designing the interventions in consultation with supervisors and stakeholders and assessing recruitment rates and treatment adherence. The study will also explore how this combined approach can support both cancer survivors and their caregivers, whose well-being is often affected by caregiving stress.

This research aims to provide valuable insights into a novel approach for improving cancer survivors' overall well-being and quality of life and to inform a larger study. 

Eligibility

  • 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 psychology, exercise or related field.
  • Must be a domestic student.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Location of candidate (which Campus) once in receipt of scholarship

The student will be based at SCU Coffs Harbour. Study participants will be patients from the Coffs Harbour Health Campus Hospital.

HDR Supervisors for the project

Primary Supervisor: Dr Belinda Barton, Psychologist and Secondary Supervisor: Associate Professor Kellie Toohey, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University.  

Stipend:

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. Tuition fees will be exempt.

How to apply:  

Applicants are asked to submit the following via e-mail to Dr Belinda Barton belinda.barton@scu.edu.au

  1. An expression of interest (1-2 pages) outlining their interest, any relevant experience and suitability for the proposed project.
  2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
  • Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.

Applicants will be shortlisted and invited for an interview with a panel of three members.

Funding:

This project is funded by Southern Cross University and the NSW Regional Cancer Research Network in partnership with the Mid North Coast Local Health District.

Project Summary

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and dedicated PhD candidate to embark on a groundbreaking research project that explores the multifaceted effects of hydrogen-rich water supplementation on health and chronic diseases. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct comprehensive in vitro studies, closely examining the molecular and cellular responses to hydrogen-rich water. Additionally, the candidate will conduct in vivo experiments to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits and long-term implications of hydrogen-rich water intake in various models of chronic disease. This research aims to contribute significant insights into the development of innovative health strategies and interventions.

Background

The intriguing properties of hydrogen-rich water have captured the interest of the scientific community due to its reported health-promoting and performance-enhancing benefits. Despite the growing body of anecdotal evidence, there remains a significant gap in the scientific literature regarding the long-term consumption of HRW and its underlying biological mechanisms. This research initiative is designed to conduct a thorough investigation into the metabolic, cellular, and molecular responses to HRW supplementation, with a dual focus on its role in supporting physical health and exercise performance, as well as its therapeutic potential in the prevention and management of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Through a series of rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies, this project aims to shed light on the efficacy of HRW and pave the way for evidence-based applications in health and disease management.

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, such as Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition/Dietetics, and Exercise Science. 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 your success in this role.

The research will be conducted in the state-of-the-art lab facility at Southern Cross University located in the Gold Coast, which boasts a vibrant academic community and cutting-edge resources. The campus provides an ideal environment for groundbreaking research, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among scholars and experts in the field. 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.

This opportunity is currently open exclusively to domestic applicants.

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.

How to apply

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.

 

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.

Background

Rice is the staple crop for more than half of the human population. Globally it is mostly grown in flooded paddies, using excess irrigation water and causing the release of significant amounts of methane due to the anaerobic soil conditions. More than 90% of Australian rice is produced in the same way to provide irrigation and to protect the crop from cold temperatures (below 18-20°C) during the sensitive reproductive stage.

This cultivation method needs to change as a means to mitigate climate change and water shortages.

Growing rice in well-watered but not flooded soil under aerobic dryland conditions while maintaining or improving the current yield requires new genotypes more tolerant to reproductive stage drought and cold stress to avoid yield loss.

Project

This project aims to combine reproductive stage drought and cold tolerance needed for water-saving low-carbon rice genetic development by

  1. Selecting drought and cold-tolerant germplasm in field experiments under off-season reproductive stage stress conditions.
  2. Dissecting the genetic background of the selected rice population by Genome-Wide Association Studies and characterising the responsible genomic regions for cold and drought tolerance.
  3. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of phenotypic extremes to identify differentially expressed genes, conferring tolerance and shared response to both stresses.

Requirements

  • First-class honours or Master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent in plant science, plant breeding, agronomy or a related field.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
  • Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
  • Good teamwork abilities

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. Tuition fees will be exempt and the successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

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 applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, Lismore campus and will be working within the plant science research group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Southern Cross University (SCU).

The successful candidate will be co-supervised by Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and Dr Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak and will have a chance to obtain practical experience in the aerobic black rice breeding program and have the opportunity to get insight into the local dryland rice industry.

How to apply  

Prospective candidates should submit a CV (including contact details of three referees), a one-page cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the project, via email to Research Fellow Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak (szabolcs.lehoczki@scu.edu.au)

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. 

 

Southern Cross University, in conjunction with the University of Southern Queensland, have a  PhD scholarship available for a prospective candidate to work on recycled polymers with fire resistance.

Manufacturing building material from recycled plastics is gaining in popularity world-wide. However, a challenge of this approach is to mitigate the flammability of plastic material by retarding combustion, an essential property when manufacturing building material for human habitation.  Therefore, we are seeking an enthusiastic and chemistry-loving student to work with us on developing these materials further with local industry and world-class testing facilities.

Eligibility:

Applicants need to possess a:

  • Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or Second Class – First Division) 
    or
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a relevant research component 

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 PhD stipend at the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months 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.

The location of the candidate will be at the Lismore Campus, Southern Cross University, with periodical visits to local plastics manufacturers in the Northern Rivers as well as visits to the Springfield campus of the University of Southern Queensland to access fire testing laboratory facilities.

Please send a CV emphasising any research and industrial experience.

An academic transcript detailing grades and qualifications.

A 1-2 page referenced research proposal on plastic building material, testing methods and the students' desired direction of research trajectory within this PhD degree. 

Queries to be directed to Principal supervisor: Lachlan.Yee@scu.edu.au

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 no Australian government climate change education policy or 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, young people, and 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 Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Professor Lexi Lasczik and Adjunct Professor 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$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months beginning early 2025 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. The successful applicant will also receive a $10,000 (paid in fortnightly increments) Top-up scholarship funded by the Waratah Scholarships (NSW Department of Education).  

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor 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.

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.

Australian Government Research Training Program

Each year, the Australian Government Research Training Program provides scholarship funding to universities to support domestic and international Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic and International Stipend Scholarship applications are now CLOSED.

Under the administration of the Graduate School, Southern Cross University offers Higher Degrees by Research candidates the opportunity to apply for scholarships under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).

Each year, these domestic and international stipend scholarships provide a living allowance for HDR students recognised for their academic merit, research experience and/or research potential.

Scholarships available

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic Stipend Scholarships

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship provides a living allowance of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) tax-free, paid in fortnightly instalments.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Tuition Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarships

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarships are available to international applicants only. This provides a living allowance of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) and a Tuition Fee Offset. Students must be enrolled full-time, on-campus, for the duration of their candidature.

For further information and how to apply:

Please refer to the following:

Click for further information on Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships.

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Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

Through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and administered by the Graduate School, Southern Cross University oversees a number of other postgraduate scholarship options. All Scholarships applications need to be assessed and approved by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and the Dean, Graduate Studies. For an overview of industry schemes/main funding sources from which our industry partners can leverage, please see Overview of Industry Schemes. Please see available scholarships below. Or for more information email hdrscholarships@scu.edu.au

New Project Scholarships (1)

A three year, three month PhD scholarship stipend at the current Australian Government Research Training Program base rate of AU$33,511 (2025 rate) per annum, indexed annually).

This is for successful projects where the external funding amount to Southern Cross University (net) is a minimum of $150K total within three years.

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New Project Scholarships (2)

Co-funded 50 per cent of a postgraduate scholarship stipend (two years for Masters or three years, three months for PhD at the current Australian Government Research Training Program base rate of AU$33,511 (2025 rate) per annum indexed annually).


This scholarship applies where an external funding body on a Category 2 or Category 3 project co-funds 50 per cent of the total scholarship stipend.

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Linkage Scholarships

A three year, three month PhD scholarship stipend current Australian Government Research Training Program base rate of AU$33,511 (2025 rate) per annum, indexed annually).

This is for a successful contracted ARC Linkage project (LP19) round project in which Southern Cross University is the lead.

Research student in lab coat and googles smiling while conducting experiment