Higher Degrees Scholarships
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.
PhD position in methane cycling in mangroves 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.
Closing date: 14 April 2024
Contact: Dr. Judith Rosentreter
Email: judith.rosentreter@scu.edu.au
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
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
PhD Scholarship Winners and losers: differential impacts of marine heatwaves on foundation species
This project will examine the response of kelp and coral to marine heatwaves at a temperate-tropical transition zone to uncover traits that confer resilience. The project will involve field sampling, genomics and lab experiments and will be based at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Australia, in collaboration with NSW Fisheries. PhD applicants should have at least one first-authored publication. Prior skills in genomics are desirable.
Closing date: 1 April 2024
Contact: Dr Melinda Coleman or Dr David Abrego
Email: Melinda.coleman@dpi.nsw.gov.au or David.abrego@scu.edu.au
PhD Scholarship about organ donation and registration on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) with young adults in diverse communities
Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD Scholarship to investigate how visual media can be used to increase awareness about organ donation and registration among young adults from culturally diverse communities. Currently, awareness and registration in culturally diverse communities are well below the national average, so this is an opportunity to make a difference.
Closing date: Until the position is filled
Contact: Associate Professor Gail Moloney
Email: gail.moloney@scu.edu.au
Development and validation of next generation microalgae growth systems
The overarching objective of this research is to design, test and validate microalgae production as perfusion-based biofilms, to convert nutrients from agricultural and industrial wastewater into high-value products. We are looking for two PhD candidates to work on projects related to this objective. The first project will focus on the cultivation and selection of heterotrophic species while the second project will focus on photoautotrophic species. Both students will work on the testing and validation of a new perfusion-based biofilm microalgal production system.
Closing date: 18 February 2024
Contact: Professor Dirk Erler
Email: dirk.erler@scu.edu.au
Amphibious houses: an innovative solution for homes in flood-prone areas
This PhD research topic will delve deeply into the complex domain of amphibious houses, with a primary objective of tackling the multifaceted challenges associated with their design and construction. The research aims to foster sustainability through the use of recycled materials, bolster the resilience of houses, and achieve long-term cost savings in mitigating the escalating risks of flooding brought about by climate change.
Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Guoyang Fu
Email: guoyang.fu@scu.edu.au
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
Barking up the right trees - a microbial solution for our methane problem
This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeochemical approaches, this project aims to characterise and quantify trace gas oxidation rates of forest bark microbiome.
Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Luke Jeffrey
Email: luke.jeffrey@scu.edu.au
Repurposing Buildings and the Benefit of BIM in the Processes
This PhD project will investigate how to better influence and manage building repurposing and to consider how BIM can benefit this process. The student will work with members from the International Building Quality Centre (www.ibqc.org.au).
Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Professor Charles Lemckert
Email: charles.lemckert@scu.edu.au
PhD Scholarship – Advancing Data-Driven and Real-Time Flood Warning
This project aims to integrate emerging data science into real-time rivers flow forecasting, improving flood warning accuracy and enhancing community flood preparedness. A specific focus is placed on data-driven, risk-based flood forecasting. This project anticipates interdisciplinary collaboration and communication with end-users for project development and outcome distribution.
Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Feifei Tong
Email: feifei.tong@scu.edu.au
PhD Scholarship – Enhancing Modelling Efficiency in Flood Forecasting
This project aims to enhance the efficiency of flood hydrodynamic modelling by developing a model that utilises ensemble flood modelling, real-time river monitoring data and signal processing. The project is expected to achieve a substantial enhancement in modelling speed while maintaining accuracy, enabling improved real-time hydrodynamic modelling for flood forecasting.
Closing date: Until position is filled
Contact: Dr Feifei Tong
Email: feifei.tong@scu.edu.au
PhD Scholarship - New understanding of the peopling of Southeast Asia and Australasia, using geochemical and geochronological techniques of key fossil remains
Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant to work in the field of geochronology and archaeogeochemistry, to better understand early human expansion in Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Closing Date: Until position is filled
Contact: Associate Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau
Email: renaud.joannes-boyau@scu.edu.au
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
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 2024 have now CLOSED.
Information: Australian Government RTP Scholarships Information to Applicants
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: 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 forests 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.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in biogeochemistry, environmental science, limnology or marine science
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
- Good teamwork abilities
Additional experience:
- Experience with stable isotope techniques
- Experience with modelling and programming (e.g. R, Matlab)
- Experience with biogeochemistry techniques such as soil, aquatic and tree-stem greenhouse gas measurements
Eligibility:
The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
How to apply:
Prospective candidates who are interested in this opportunity should send a CV (including 3 referees) and a short (< 1 page) statement highlighting their research background and interests and addressing each of the selection criteria above to Dr. Judith Rosentreter (judith.rosentreter@scu.edu.au). Co-supervisors may include Prof. Bradley Eyre and Dr. Luke Jeffrey. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. The application deadline is 14th April 2024, and the preferred starting date is mid-late 2024 (negotiable).
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:
- To research genetic markers associated with Varroa tolerance in Australia honey bee stock.
- To research genetic markers associated with Tropilaelaps tolerance in honey bee stock in PNG.
- 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:
- Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
- Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
- Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts.
- 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$32,192 per annum (2024 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:
- To evaluate current Varroa mite prevalence, impacts and management practices in Australia and Pacific Island countries
- To develop and test the efficacy of novel organic and biotechnical varroa control strategies
- 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:
- Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
- Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
- Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts.
- 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$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
Marine Heatwaves are increasing in intensity and frequency with large impacts on marine species and ecosystems globally. Kelp forests and coral reefs are foundation species underpinning vast ecological and economic value yet are among the most heavily impacted by heatwaves. The underlying genetics of these key taxa can determine their ability to respond to thermal stress, yet there are few empirical demonstrations of this link. Understanding this variation in response can unlock opportunities for proactive management and conservation strategies.
This project will examine the response of kelp and coral to marine heatwaves at a temperate-tropical transition zone to uncover traits that confer resilience. The project will involve field sampling, genomics and lab experiments and will be based at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Australia, in collaboration with NSW Fisheries.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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. PhD applicants should have at least one first-authored publication. Prior skills in genomics are desirable.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and motivation for applying for this PhD to Melinda Coleman (Melinda.coleman@dpi.nsw.gov.au) or David Abrego (David.abrego@scu.edu.au) by April 1st 2024.
The Project
Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD Scholarship to investigate how visual media can be used to increase awareness about organ donation and registration among young adults from culturally diverse communities. Currently, awareness and registration in culturally diverse communities are well below the national average, so this is an opportunity to make a difference.
This is a theoretically-driven applied research project. A background in social psychology, psychology in general, health, anthropology, sociology or medical sciences will be beneficial – media expertise is not required.
You will be supervised by a fantastic team of researchers, including Associate Professor Gail Moloney (SCU), Professor Marie Hutchinson (SCU) and Professor Iain Walker (University of Melbourne), with opportunities to engage with community leaders from culturally diverse communities.
The scholarship is for three years and three months, funded at the Australian Research Training Program (RTP) rate of $32,192 tax-free (2024 indexed annually), as well as a tuition fee waiver. You will be able to undertake outside paid work for 16 sixteen hours a week in addition to the scholarship stipend.
The PhD project will be closely aligned with a funded Australian Research Council Linkage Grant project. You will become a valued member of the research team comprising Southern Cross University, NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service (South-Eastern Sydney Local Health District), Organ and Tissue Steering Committee (South-Western Sydney Local Health District, the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (Australia) spiritual organisation, and the University of Melbourne.
The project will offer the opportunity to engage with industry experts and inform practice and policy.
Location
Supervision will be on campus (Coffs Harbour) with fieldwork in Sydney, NSW.
You will be in a highly supportive environment with strong career development and networking opportunities, as well as excellent supervision and mentoring.
Eligibility
The successful applicant must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University full-time, including a relevant Honours degree, First or 2nd class (2 A) or a Masters degree with a relevant research component.
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 gail.moloney@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 project as soon as possible.
Applicants are welcome to contact Associate Professor Gail Moloney at gail.moloney@scu.edu.au for an informal discussion or any enquiries about this opportunity.
Southern Cross University, with funding and support from Australian Algae Services and the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC), seeks expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates to work on two projects related to the cultivation of microalgae in the context of a circular economy.
Commercial microalgae production targets the growing markets for omega-3 fatty acids and non-animal protein ingredients. Current commercial production systems use open raceways, despite low productivity and large energy, water, and land requirements. The overarching objective of this research is to design, test and validate microalgae production as perfusion-based biofilms, to convert nutrients from agricultural and industrial wastewater into high-value products. We are looking for two PhD candidates to work on projects related to this objective. The first project will focus on the cultivation and selection of heterotrophic species while the second project will focus on photoautotrophic species. Both students will work on the testing and validation of a new perfusion-based biofilm microalgal production system.
The PhD projects will involve laboratory experimentation, pilot-scale testing, sample collection and analysis, modeling and other data processing, and publication of scientific papers related to the research. Students will engage closely with industry partners and will spend three months undertaking a paid research internship with the industry partner.
Successful candidates will receive the University’s tax-free annual stipend of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. Students will also receive an additional industry top-up scholarship of $6,000 per annum for the duration of their projects, bringing the annual combined stipend to $38,192 per annum. International students can also apply for a tuition fee waiver.
Candidates will be based at Southern Cross University’s principal campus in Lismore (near Byron Bay), in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia. Lismore is just two hours drive from Brisbane and a little over one hour from the Gold Coast. The Northern Rivers region is a great place to live, with a sub-tropical climate, some of the best beaches and surfing in the world, great fishing and scuba diving, and breathtaking wilderness areas. Added to this, the quality of life in the region is high, and the cost of living is relatively low.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a relevant discipline or a Masters degree with at least a 25% 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.
Interested applicants should send a CV and short (< 1 page) statement highlighting their research background and interests with respect to the criteria above to Dirk Erler (dirk.erler@scu.edu.au ). Shortlisting will commence on 19 Feb 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
This project aims to integrate emerging data science into real-time rivers flow forecasting, improving flood warning accuracy and enhancing community flood preparedness. A specific focus is placed on data-driven, risk-based flood forecasting. This project anticipates interdisciplinary collaboration and communication with end-users for project development and outcome distribution.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Feifei Tong feifei.tong@scu.edu.au
This project aims to enhance the efficiency of flood hydrodynamic modelling by developing a model that utilises ensemble flood modelling, real-time river monitoring data and signal processing. The project is expected to achieve a substantial enhancement in modelling speed while maintaining accuracy, enabling improved real-time hydrodynamic modelling for flood forecasting.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Feifei Tong feifei.tong@scu.edu.au
Background: Southern Cross University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant to work in the field of geochronology and archaeogeochemistry, to better understand early human expansion in Southeast Asia and Australasia. The PhD will contain both robust methodological and palaeoanthropological components, including analytical research on LA-MC-ICPMS and Electron Spin Resonance. Shortlisted candidates will discuss the specificity of the project, depending on skills and interests.
This scholarship represents an opportunity to complete a PhD and conduct a program of research on geochronology (US-ESR dating) isotopes and trace element analytical research of fauna and human remains.
The PhD student will work alongside scientists from various countries such as Australia, Germany, France, Denmark, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and/or Philippines depending on site selected, and who will contribute and provide guidance on dating and characterisation techniques, trace element and isotopic analyses, dental anatomy, and/or human evolution.
Eligibility:
The position is open to all domestic applicants and international applicants currently based in Australia. International applicants currently based overseas are welcome to apply, however, Australian Government border restrictions may impact on their application. 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 BSc (Hons, 2nd class or above) or an MSc degree with a research component in either Earth science (geo)chemistry, environmental science or related fields.
Ideally, candidates will have some experience in geochronology and/or geochemistry and either knowledge or a strong interest to work on human evolution problematic. Candidate with experience with ESR, LA-ICPMS or MC-ICPMS from a different field of research such as medical geochemistry or related field are also strongly encourage to apply. Candidates with experience with matlab, R or similar packages is a plus.
Location: The successful applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, Lismore campus (Northern NSW, close to Byron Bay) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and will be part of the Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry Research Group and will join a team of two postdocs and 4 PhD students.
How to apply:
Please send your CV (2 pages max), a cover letter explaining your interest in and suitability for this scholarship (1 page max), degree transcripts/certificates, IELTS test if you didn’t study in English (optional details of two referees), and any other relevant research documents (e.g., publications/theses) via email to: renaud.joannes-boyau@scu.edu.au Please quote the PhD title in the subject line of the email.
- Outcome of expression of interest: You will be notified of the outcome of your expression of interest by email after the closing date.
- 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. Interviews will take place online via Zoom.
The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend for a 3-year duration at the current Australian Research Training Program rate (the 2024 rate is AU$32,192 per annum, indexed annually).
Closing Date: Until position is filled
Interviews: TBA
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.
The building construction industry represents one of the most important sectors within Australia and internationally. It is also an industry with high waste, large workforces, a high carbon footprint and the challenges of delivering quality products on time and within budget. Many societal issues, including housing demand, pressure to develop new practical approaches to provide quality solutions. It is also evident that many cities and towns contain buildings (at various scales) that could be repurposed to better use their horizontal and vertical footprints. This includes, buildings damaged during natural disasters and population shifts.
It is noted that codes and standards apply to new builds and not so much to existing buildings. Additionally, most codes and standards do not apply the aspect of durability to new buildings. Therefore, it is important to understand how buildings can be designed to be repurposed, the codes and standards required for repurposing, and how technologies (e.g. building information modelling (BIM)) can be used to assist with this process.
This PhD project will investigate how to better influence and manage building repurposing and to consider how BIM can benefit this process. The student will work with members from the International Building Quality Centre (www.ibqc.org.au).
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
Contact: Professor Charles Lemckert
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor Charles Lemckert (charles.lemckert@scu.edu.au)
The agricultural sector in the Northern Rivers region demonstrated its strength in 2021 by generating a substantial $621 million in agricultural production. This figure underscores the region's status as a thriving hub for diverse agricultural products, making significant economic contributions. Beyond its economic significance, agriculture plays a pivotal role in strengthening local communities and contributing to the broader Australian economy. Following the devastating flood disaster in 2021, there is a need to ramp up agricultural production to aid in the region's recovery.
Agricultural machinery stands as a critical component of agricultural production. The development of sustainable, innovative, and region-specific agricultural machinery holds the potential to further enhance the overall value of agricultural production. Recognizing this potential, this scholarship aims to support research and development endeavours focused on agricultural machinery. 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.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
Supervisor: Dr Mustafa Ucgul
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Mustafa Ucgul (mustafa.ucgul@scu.edu.au)
Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.
Climate change has significantly affected the hydrological cycle, resulting in floods with increased frequency and severity almost all over the world. Floods lead to causalities and economic losses and cause structural damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure. Based on data from the Insurance Council of Australia, the 2022 extreme weather and flooding in Northern NSW and South-East Queensland has led to over 3.346 billion worth of claims to date.
Traditionally, houses are permanently raised in flood-prone areas to mitigate the risks of flooding. However, house-raising is essentially just a short-term solution due to the continued increase of the flood hazard level due to climate change. To live with water rather than fight against water, amphibious houses represent an innovative solution to address the growing challenges of more frequent and intense floods in our local communities while simultaneously addressing housing needs. An amphibious house will rise during a flood event and move down when the flood goes away. This solution can be used to retrofit homes to be amphibious and build new amphibious structures in flood-prone areas.
This PhD research topic will delve deeply into the complex domain of amphibious houses, with a primary objective of tackling the multifaceted challenges associated with their design and construction. The research aims to foster sustainability through the use of recycled materials, bolster the resilience of houses, and achieve long-term cost savings in mitigating the escalating risks of flooding brought about by climate change.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$232,192 per annum (2024 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.
Supervisor: Dr Guoyang Fu
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Guoyong Fu (guoyang.fu@scu.edu.au)
Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.
This 3.4-year fully funded PhD project supports an Australian Research Council DECRA project investigating the role of tree-dwelling microbial communities in mitigating greenhouse gasses.
Project aim: This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeochemical approaches, this project aims to characterise and quantify trace gas oxidation rates of forest bark microbiome. The anticipated outcomes include fundamental knowledge surrounding bark-associated microbial trace gas oxidation within global biogeochemical cycles, and insights into their response to climatic variables.
Location: The project will be based at the Northern Rivers campus of Southern Cross University, situated on the North Coast of NSW. The candidate will work within the vibrant and collaborative Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The candidate will ideally have prior experience or an interest in microbial ecology, genomic sequencing and downstream analysis, but will also utilise and learn forestry and biogeochemistry techniques such as soil, aquatic and tree-stem greenhouse gas measurements.
Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 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.
For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Luke Jeffrey luke.jeffrey@scu.edu.au
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 have 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$32,192 per annum (2024 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$32,192 per annum (2024 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:
- Australian Government RTP Scholarships Information to Applicants;
- Australian Government RTP Scholarship Scoring Guidelines.
Click for further information on Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships.
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$29,863 (2023 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.
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$29,863 (2023 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.
Linkage Scholarships
A three year, three month PhD scholarship stipend current Australian Government Research Training Program base rate of AU$29,863 (2023 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.