PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy) Full-time

PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy)

Monash Energy Institute and Faculty of Information Technology invites applications for a fully funded, 3.5-year PhD scholarship for commencement in 2026. The scholarship provides a stipend of $52,352 per annum tax exempt for 3.5 years along with additional support.

Information technology research at Monash is multidisciplinary, spans multiple campuses globally and involves partnerships with industry and institutions worldwide. The Faculty is organised into three departments – Data Science & Artificial Intelligence; Software Systems & Cybersecurity; and Human-Centred Computing – with cross-cutting research themes covering work from core computing science through software engineering to social and organisational informatics. Research strengths include intelligent systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital health, sustainability and human–computer interaction.

The Faculty of IT at Monash University provides Indigenous students with unique professional development opportunities that combine academic growth, industry engagement, and community impact. Guaranteed Industry-Based Learning (IBL) placements ensure students gain extended, hands-on experience with leading organisations, equipping them with practical skills and professional networks. Through the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), students can gain international experience through placements at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the US or Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in the UK, building skills and exploring new frontiers in STEM. At Monash University, the Indigenous Innovation Challenge empowers research teams to apply their knowledge to co-designing digital solutions that address real-world community needs, highlighting the value of innovation that draws on cultural knowledge. 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.

The Monash Energy Institute is working to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future by fostering and facilitating impactful interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with its trusted partners. By building strong and long-term partnerships with Australian and international industry, government and research organisations, the Institute's goal is to facilitate regional and global impact through innovation in energy materials, advanced energy technologies and smart energy systems.

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 ideally 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 Faculty, and to join the Faculty's growing Indigenous cohort of staff and students.

Suggested PhD topics 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 (e.g. community housing) 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.

Enquiries concerning this opportunity should be directed to the Monash Energy Institute Research Director, Professor Yolande Strengers or the Faculty of Information Technology's Associate Dean (Indigenous), Professor Chris Lawrence.

EOIs shall comprise:

• The completed HDR Expression of Interest Form
• A short research proposal (up to 2 pages)
• Evidence of academic qualifications
• Evidence of English-language proficiency
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
• Academic writing sample and if applicable a portfolio of practice-based research

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary.

Closing date for receipt of EOIs: Friday 24 October 2025, 11:55pm AEDT