2026 Monash Education PhD Scholarship - Intergenerational Play

Job No.: 691161

Location:  Clayton campus, Melbourne

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $37,145 pa pro rata tax exempt stipend

The Opportunity

Monash University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for a motivated candidate interested in intergenerational play and wellbeing. The project explores how people of different ages play together, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of all participants. Working within a broader research program, the candidate will collaborate with the research team to design and implement intergenerational play experiences. The PhD project will also involve creating Professional Learning modules and partnering with industry organisations to deliver and evaluate these.

Key research questions include: How do the generations play together? How do generations engage with expressive culture during intergenerational play? What benefits does intergenerational play offer to all participants? What are the constructs for intergenerational play and how might these expand future opportunities?

This project is led by Professor Lisa Kervin at Monash University. The project is funded by Australian Research Council’s Future Fellowship scheme.

Joining our thriving Early Childhood research community and Monash Faculty of Education which is consistently ranked as the number 1 education faculty in Australia, your PhD project will offer an opportunity to connect with students and leading experts across the globe.

Candidate Requirements

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic candidate
• have the necessary qualifications, such as a research masters or honours year to meet the selection requirements into the doctoral program (see Monash University PhD entry requirements)
• be enrolling full time
• not already hold a PhD

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants with a significant experience working with children and families in community settings. Any previous experience of researching with children would also be an advantage.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 30 June 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

Enquiries: Faculty of Education Graduate Research Office, edu-gradresearch@monash.edu

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Scholarship applicants must complete the online EOI form including details of their proposed research topic by the closing date.

Applications Close: Friday 6 March 2026, 11:55pm AEDT