PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy) Full-time

PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy)

Monash Energy Institute and its three sponsoring faculties invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applications for a fully funded, 3.5-year PhD scholarship for commencement in 2026. The scholarship provides a stipend of $53,608 per annum tax exempt for 3.5 years along with additional support.

The Monash Energy Institute is driving Australia's transition to a sustainable, people-centred energy future through innovative, interdisciplinary research. By partnering with industry, government, and international research organisations, the Institute delivers practical solutions and strategic insights across technology, policy, markets, and societal impact. To learn more about this important work, please visit here.

PhD candidates will be located in and supervised by academics in one of these three faculties. Monash University provides Indigenous students with unique professional development opportunities that combine academic growth, industry engagement, and community impact. These experiences are complemented by a supportive Indigenous staff network that provides mentoring, guidance, and connection, ensuring students are well-prepared to succeed as future leaders in technology and beyond.

Applicants should have strong knowledge in a discipline or background that supports them to undertake the proposed project (e.g. human-centred computing/ computer science, engineering, social science, science, community development). They will be committed to undertaking research that supports First Nations people and communities in accessing and realising the benefits of the energy transition. The PhD candidate will be given opportunities to participate in the work of the Institute and Faculties, and to join the Faculty's growing Indigenous cohort of staff and students.

As part of their proposal, applicants should outline how their research will advance First Nations' peoples interests in the Australian energy transition. Topics could include:

• How to realise energy justice for First Nations communities through different energy systems (e.g. large-scale renewables, diesel genset options and/or community-scale renewable systems), housing types and/or ownership models
• Exploring the impacts of prepayment meters in remote communities and identifying alternatives
• Investigating the health-related impacts of energy insecurity, through thermally inefficient housing, inconsistent refrigeration, and high occupancy of dwellings
• Supporting Indigenous people in accessing, operating, maintaining and caring for consumer energy resources (solar and batteries), energy efficient equipment, and/or other local energy solutions. Exploring supply chain and maintenance pathways for remote Australia
• Bringing Indigenous futures perspectives and knowledge systems into visions and scenarios for the energy transition
• Mapping/visualising Indigenous knowledge of climate and weather to support energy forecasting and planning

More broadly, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and how they support research into human and technology futures, as well as their interest in innovative and participatory methodologies.

This scholarship opportunity is open to domestic applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The selection committee will evaluate applicants holistically and prioritise First Nations applicants with research and/or professional experience and a strong academic track record in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary area. Experience in related fields and roles will also be considered.

Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University. Details of eligibility requirements are available at graduate-research-entry-pathways.

Enquiries concerning this opportunity should be directed to:

• Indigenous Research Project Manager, Jess Walters – Indigenous@monash.edu
• Monash Energy Institute Research Director, Professor Yolande Strengers – yolande.strengers@monash.edu

EOIs shall comprise:

• The completed HDR Expression of Interest Form
• Cover letter
• Evidence of academic transcripts and qualifications
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary.

Closing date for receipt of EOIs: Open until positions are filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged as assessment will occur on an ongoing basis.

Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.