PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy)

PhD Opportunity – Indigenous (Energy)

Faculty of Information Technology, Monash Business School and Faculty of Engineering

Caulfield or Clayton campuses

3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Monash Energy Institute

Open to people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and whose PhD research will advance First Nations' peoples interests in the Australian energy transition

Three positions available

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Monash Indigenous Research Scholarship, Relocation Allowance (up to $1000 if relocating from interstate). Living Allowance current value: $53,608 pa 2025 full-time rate (tax-free stipend); (annually indexed plus allowances as per RTP/MGRO stipend conditions)

Additional support:

• $8,000pa top-up stipend (paid fortnightly)
• $4,000 for the duration of the candidature to support research costs such as fieldwork or conference participation, including Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO) Travel Grant valued up to $1,265.
• Additional support from the Monash Energy Institute
• Ongoing support and guidance from the Indigenous Research Team: Indigenous@monash.edu

The Opportunity

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 (paid fortnightly), along with additional support.

Monash Energy Institute

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. From advanced energy materials and emerging technologies to shaping future energy systems and understanding how communities engage with energy, Monash Energy Institute creates knowledge and innovation that has both regional and global impact.

The Monash Energy Institute is sponsored by the Faculty of Information Technology, Monash Business School and Faculty of Engineering. 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.

Knowledge and background

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.

Suggested PhD topics

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.

Candidate Requirements

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

Candidates are welcome to make contact, to discuss their proposals and areas of interest before submitting their applications. 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

Submit an Expression of Interest

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.

Supporting a diverse workforce