Engineering PhD - Indigenous

Job No.: 693049

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering

Location: Clayton campus

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Open to: People who identify as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander and whose PhD research will advance First Nations’ peoples interests within Engineering

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a Monash Indigenous Research Scholarship $53,608 pa, 2025 full-time rate (tax-free stipend); (annually indexed plus allowances as per RTP/MGRO stipend conditions:

www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/scholarships/fees-scholarships/scholarship-policy-and-procedures

And, Relocation Allowance (up to $1000 if relocating from interstate)

Additional support:

• $8,000pa top-up stipend from the Faculty of Engineering
• $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.
• Ongoing support and guidance from the Indigenous Research Team: Indigenous@monash.edu

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at Monash University invites applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates for two fully funded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) opportunities commencing in 2026.

These scholarships provide a tax-free stipend (currently $53,608 per annum) for up to 3.5 years, along with additional support for research, professional development, and participation in the Faculty’s growing Indigenous research community.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of Australia’s leading engineering faculties, recognised globally for research that addresses complex societal challenges and delivers practical technological solutions across infrastructure, manufacturing, digital systems, energy, and environmental sustainability.

PhD candidates will be located within one of the Faculty’s five departments and supervised by world-class researchers working at the forefront of engineering innovation.

Knowledge and Background

Applicants should have a strong academic background in an engineering or related discipline which will support them to undertake a research project aligned with the Faculty’s research strengths.

Relevant backgrounds may include, but are not limited to:

• Engineering (any discipline)
• Science or applied science
• Mathematics or data science
• Computer science
• Environmental or sustainability studies
• Design, manufacturing, or technology fields

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong academic record
• Interest in research and innovation
• Motivation to contribute to solving real-world engineering challenges
• Commitment to completing an independent research program

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to propose projects aligned with their interests and career goals, these projects do not need a purely Indigenous focus.

All research topics relevant to engineering will be considered, and interdisciplinary or novel research ideas are welcomed

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 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:

• Associate Dean Indigenous - Faculty of Engineering, Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch - shannon.kilmartin-lynch@monash.edu
• Indigenous Research Project Manager, Jess Walters - Indigenous@monash.edu

To Submit an Expression of Interest, please email the following to eng.indigenous@monash.edu

EOIs shall comprise:

• Cover letter
• Evidence of academic transcripts and qualifications
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works
• A research proposal, or confirmation in your email if you wish to work with a supervisor to co-develop your research project

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and supported to:

• Identify an appropriate supervisor
• Develop a research proposal
• Apply for scholarships
• Prepare for commencement in 2026

Applications Close: Applications will close once both roles have been filled, no earlier than Thursday 25 June 2026, 11:55pm AEST. Early applications are strongly encouraged as assessment will occur on an ongoing basis.