Higher Degrees Scholarships

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, 2^nd 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.

1. Outcome of expression of interest: You will be notified of the outcome of your expression of interest by email after the closing date.
2. 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 2023 rate is AU$29,863 per annum, indexed annually).

Closing Date: Until position is filled

Interviews:  TBA

Background: 

There is growing interest in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) production both in Australia and overseas. This interest is due to recent changes in legislation allowing commercial production, the versatile nature of hemp products as well as perceived environmental benefits over other crops.

The PhD project is part of a larger research program funded by AgriFutures Australia and managed by Southern Cross University. The AgriFutures Industrial Hemp program of research aims to support this emerging industry by growing knowledge in hemp varieties, cropping systems and hemp products that best suit the Australian conditions. The PhD candidate will investigate the sustainability aspects of hemp food and/or fibre products within this broader program of research. This research will address the information gaps around the environmental impacts of hemp products and cropping systems, with a particular focus on climate impacts.

There is very little published research on the environmental impacts of hemp cropping systems or value-added products in Australia due to the early development stage of the industry and agronomic practices still under investigation (Rivas-Aybar et al. 2023). Overseas studies indicate there can be large variations in carbon emissions associated with hemp products, with hemp varieties, planting densities, fertiliser regimes, transport distances and processing technologies all playing an important role in the carbon intensity of final products (Arrigoni et al., 2017; Campiglia et al., 2020; DiCapua et al., 2021).

This PhD project is an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new industry by establishing sustainability benchmarks and quantifying environmental impacts of cropping practices and value-added products. The PhD candidate will work closely with the research team and industry bodies to identify relevant practices, growing regions and priority products. The research outputs will provide the scientific evidence needed to guide industry development, support sustainability claims, build trust and confidence in the industry and promote sustainable practices among producers. 

Research methods:

Environmental impacts of target products will be estimated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. LCA is extensively used to compare product environmental performance and to identify life cycle hotspots where performance can be improved. Comparative LCAs with consistent product characterisation will be used to quantify the additional benefits of product displacements. Both food and construction product streams will be investigated.

Training and potential collaborations

The PhD position will collaborate with the research team at SCU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross Plant Science, Curtin University, AgriFutures Australia and the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society to develop the skills required and meet the project objectives.

SCU’s postgraduate training programme provides additional opportunities for professional training alongside the focused research project.

Eligibility

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 bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a research component, in either environmental science, agricultural science, engineering, economics or related fields. 

How to apply

Applicants should send a CV and a cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the project to marie-chantale.pelletier@scu.edu.au.

Applications close October 31, 2023 and the preferred starting date is early 2024.

This project will be based at SCU’s campus in Lismore, NSW, Australia.

Scholarship:

The project is funded by a SCU stipend at RTP rate of AU$29,863 per annum (2023 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. Additional funding is available for travel to regional areas to undertake industry consultation and data collection.

Specific Requirements:

A valid driver’s licence is required to carry out this research.

Expressions of Interest for fully-funded PhD scholarship in Psychology - The impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health.

Background:

Southern Cross University and the MANNA Institute invite expressions of interest from highly motivated and enthusiastic persons for a fully-funded PhD scholarship examining the impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health. The successful candidate will be welcomed into a highly supportive environment with strong career development and networking opportunities and excellent supervision and mentoring.

The successful candidate will receive a scholarship starting at $29,863 p.a. (with annual increases) for 3 years and 3 months, as well as a tuition fee waiver. They must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University, including a second-class Honours or above from a relevant discipline.

Project Description: The proposed PhD study aims to investigate the impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health. The research will focus on exploring the relationship between environmental factors, such as extreme weather events caused by climate change, and their effects on the mental health of individuals and communities directly and indirectly impacted by these events. Based primarily in the fields of psychology and public health, the study program will explore the complex interactions between environmental conditions and mental health outcomes. The outcomes of this project will inform the development of targeted place-based mental health supports needed in impacted communities to supersede existing intervention approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting a comprehensive literature review on the topic of environmental change and mental health
• Developing and implementing qualitative and/or quantitative studies (supported by supervisors)
• Analysing and interpreting data using appropriate statistical and/or qualitative methods
• Writing and presenting research findings to internal and external audiences

About you: You will be expected to have the following attributes:

• Strong research skills and experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for the topic of environmental change and mental health

How to apply:

Interested candidates are requested to submit one PDF file to eric.brymer@scu.edu.au containing the following:

• 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)

Please quote the PhD title in the subject line of the email.

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.

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Marie Hutchinson at eric.brymer@scu.edu.au for an informal discussion or any enquiries about this opportunity.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Closing Date: Until position is filled.

Southern Cross University is seeking an enthusiastic Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student for doctoral or masters by thesis research on an agreed topic related to smoking in pregnancy.  The degree will align with the iSISTAQUIT Scale Up grant received from the Global Alliance for Chronic Disease (GACD) and the NHMRC.  The position will be based in Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour Campus, in NSW, Australia. One full-time PhD place is available to start in 2022.

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a disproportionate burden of disease due to high tobacco smoking rates, a legacy of colonisation and government sanctioned policies where rations of tobacco were widely distributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In pregnancy, 44% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women smoke, compared to 12% of non-Indigenous mothers. Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are motivated to quit smoking to protect their unborn child, they typically receive inadequate health provider support to quit. Reductions in smoking prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnant women to date have been slow, and culturally appropriate programs are not widely available. A national standardised approach, strategically implemented to maximise uptake into routine practice, with resources and supports, is urgently needed.

iSISTAQUIT (implementing Supporting Indigenous Smokers to Assist Quitting) is an evidence-based multicomponent model of care with resources that were co-designed with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS). Most Australian AMS are community-controlled organisations that provide culturally appropriate care and iSISTAQUIT has been shown to be a feasible, acceptable and effective program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnant women in this setting in Australia. iSISTAQUIT incorporates free, online training for health providers in smoking cessation methods and educational resources for pregnant women. Building on the research our team has been undertaking over the last 7 years, the project is now funded for a nationwide scale up. This research will include an innovative adaptive trial design examining optimal implementation, cost-effective sustainability strategies and relevant means of evaluation for scale up of iSISTAQUIT.

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

• Tobacco control and smoking cessation
• Indigenous health
• health services research
• health equity
• maternal and child health
• Health promotion and health education
• mHealth and eHealth
• health policy

Activities: The selected PhD candidate will receive a unique opportunity to engage with a range of stakeholders and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. The PhD student will have access to a worldwide network of the GACD Global Alliance for Chronic Disease and implementation science expertise. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant inter-disciplinary research group that includes Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers including experts in: Indigenous knowledge, health promotion, communication, behaviour change, clinicians, health services, and representative of professional colleges.

The work will include:

• A critical review of existing relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Designing research studies
• Data collection
• Qualitative and/quantitative analysis of primary and secondary data
• Public presentations
• Writing and publishing scientific papers
• A thesis on the agreed topic
• Travel for fieldwork

What is required: The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and passionate for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through researching tangible solutions to preventable disease. 
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 an equivalent second-class Honours degree (or above) or a relevant research masters degree in business, information systems, healthcare management or computer science. Masters level students require a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline.  Excellent communication skills, team skills and work ethic are expected. The position is open to domestic students. Students awarded a scholarship are allowed to engage with 8 hours only of outside work. The successful applicant will need to work with the team on the Coffs Harbour campus on least 4 days a week.

What is being offered: Successful candidates will be offered a tuition fee waiver and living stipend of AU$28,597 per annum (indexed annually). Stipend will be 3 years at PhD level and 2 years at Masters level. Masters students may upgrade to PhD at confirmation of candidature (after 6 months) subject to exemplary progress and only if they meet the PhD entry requirements. . The position is open to Domestic candidates only.  The supervisory team will include an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander academic.

Please note, this is an identified opportunity for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student. Proof of Indigeneity is required.

How to apply: Applicants are asked to submit an expression of interest, which must include a short video presentation of the proposed topic of less than 3 mins, a 1 page statement of your motivation for applying (up to 500 words), a detailed CV, and copies of previous research outputs. Email to Professor Gillian Gould at gillian.gould@scu.edu.au.

This PhD project aims to officially start in the last quarter of 2022, but there is some flexibility with the exact starting date (upon mutual agreement). Applications will remain open until filled in 2022.

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Gillian Gould at gillian.gould@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.

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.

Background: Southern Cross University and partners are pleased to offer a fully-funded PhD scholarship commencing in November 2023 as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant.   

This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in partnership with 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 be suited to individuals from a range of disciplines (social psychology, allied health, psychology. Medical anthropology and, more generally, public health). The PhD will be conducted in a highly supportive environment, with strong career development and networking opportunities, as well as excellent supervision and mentoring. 

Project focus: This PhD project will run alongside an Australian Research Council-funded Linkage project aimed at increasing awareness and registration on the AODR in diverse communities. Working closely with young adults, the PhD project will involve co-creating with three diverse communities in Sydney, NSW, interactive media and community dissemination strategies to increase awareness about organ donation and AODR registration. The expected outcome will be a model of how increasing awareness and AODR registration for young adults can be both scaled and tailored to ensure equitable access to transplantation for young adults in other diverse communities.    

The project will offer the opportunity to engage with industry experts and inform practice and policy.

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$29,863 per annum (2023 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.

How to apply:  Please send one PDF file to gail.moloney@scu.edu.au containing the following:

• 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 close on October 6^th, 2023

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.