Indigenous PhD Scholarship in Artistic research methods for music and science collaboration
Job No.: 689424
Location: Clayton campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Research Living Allowance, at current value of $53,608AUD per annum 2026 full-time rate (tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions at: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures.
The Opportunity
This Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Indigenous PhD scholarship is funded as an important part of an ARC Discovery project Climate Vocabularies: New methodologies for music and science communication, conducted by Dr Louise Devenish, Professor Christian Jakob, Professor Cat Hope and Dr Lucy Richardson. The project will undertake research investigating artistic methods and techniques for music-science collaboration, and artistic practices for communicating climate science through music. A focus is placed on how music can enhance environmental storytelling to create more compelling and emotionally resonant climate messaging, and how engagement with climate science researchers, processes and data can lead to innovations in music.
The successful applicant will join the Climate Vocabularies research team and contribute to the wider project within The Sound Collectors Lab, and will also undertake their own distinct PhD project. The specific topic of the PhD project is open to negotiation, but it may involve artistic research in music, sound art, performance, or related disciplines with reference to environmental and/or climate issues. This position is for an Indigenous applicant, and will be supervised by Dr Louise Devenish, Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson, and Professor Cat Hope.
Undertaking this PhD as part of a larger project has several advantages. First, the successful candidate will be integrated into an already successful research agenda that has been funded by the Australian Research Council, and will have access to funding to support fieldwork, artistic research activity, travel, and conference attendance. Second, the candidate will develop skills in artistic research methodologies, interdisciplinary research processes, and qualitative analysis, benefiting from expert supervision from research leaders in music, creative collaboration, Indigenous knowledges, climate communication, and science. By entering a PhD with a pre-existing structure, they will be further supported by the wider project team and by Monash University’s Indigenous Research Team. Finally, the candidate will benefit from being part of outcomes from the research, which may include creative works, co-authored publications (where the candidate’s contributions will be recognised through co-authorship), funded symposia, school-engagement exercises, and future grant applications.
Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in Europe and Asia. The applicant will be based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne. Music at Monash is diverse and vibrant, including research expertise in performance, improvisation, composition, music technology, music education in jazz and improvisation, classical music, experimental music, and popular music. We have a strong and supportive creative research culture, led by internationally recognised artist-scholars who produce new music works, journal articles, books, podcasts, recordings, and films.
Candidate Requirements
The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in music practice (any genre, style, or medium) or a related creative arts discipline. Demonstrable expertise in collaboration is desirable.
In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honours or Masters degree (in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded. Applicants at any career stage with significant professional practice relative to opportunity, and who are seeking to undertake rigorous training to develop research skills are eligible to apply.
Monash University offers diverse pathways to undertake research training through this opportunity, including applicants who hold a Bachelor degree (in a relevant field). Scholarships are also available for applicants to undertake Master of Arts (Research Training) - A7001 as part of this research project. Please contact louise.devenish@monash.edu with any queries about the Master of Arts or other alternative pathways.
Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered. The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 1 July 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the specific date of commencement.
Enquiries
You are required to discuss your research proposal with Dr Louise Devenish (Graduate Research Program Director), Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. To do so, please email your proposal idea and CV to louise.devenish@monash.edu, before you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The Indigenous Research Project Manager contact is Jessica Walters. If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like support with your application, please email her at indigenous@monash.edu.
Submit an Expression of Interest
EOIs shall comprise:
- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
- A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
- A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
- Copy of your current passport (if available)
Once you have discussed your EOI with Dr Louise Devenish, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a “Special Scholarship Scheme – Indigenous PhD Scholarship in Artistic research methods for music and science collaboration”.
Applications Close: Monday 23 February 2026, 11:55pm AEDT
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