PhD Stipend Scholarship – School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University (Human-Animal Interactions)

Job No.: 694169

Location: Peninsula campus

Employment Type: Full-time (or part-time by arrangement)

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Supervisory Team: Dr Em Bould (Main Supervisor)

The successful candidate will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in human-animal interaction, disability, healthy ageing, and social inclusion. Refer to Dr Em Bould’s profile for more information.

Remuneration: A PhD annual stipend for 3.5 years of full-time PhD enrolment ($37,145 per annum for 2026 rate). The stipend rate is indexed annually and published on the Monash University Graduate Research Stipend and Allowance Rates website.

Additional support also available for project resources and conference presentation:

• School of Primary and Allied Health Care HDR Support Fund of up to $4,000 for the duration of candidature
• Monash Graduate Research Travel Grant

The Opportunity: This PhD stipend scholarship offers a unique opportunity for a talented candidate to define their own research direction within the field of human-animal interactions. We are looking for innovative thinkers from any discipline (e.g., Allied Health, Social Sciences, Education) who are passionate about how pets and animal-assisted activities can facilitate social inclusion and health outcomes.

The PhD Project:

This scholarship invites applicants to propose their own research program. Your proposal should build upon or take inspiration from Dr Em Bould’s established work in animal-assisted activities, such as:

• Dog Buddies: A program using dog-walking to foster community inclusion for people with cognitive disabilities.
• Pets and People Program: Using a shared interest in pets to build connections between older adults living in aged care and international university students.

We encourage creative, interdisciplinary approaches. For instance, current collaborators in speech pathology adapted the Dog Buddies concept into "Fetching Connections" an intervention integrating dog-walking with traditional speech therapy to enhance communication. Applicants are required to submit a brief research proposal outlining their area of interest and how they intend to advance knowledge in human-animal supports.

Selection criteria:

Prospective applicants must satisfy Monash University PhD entry requirements as outlined in the Monash Graduate Research Admission Procedure, including, but not limited to:

• An Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; and
• A bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, which includes a research thesis or project, with a minimum overall average grade of an Honours degree equivalent to the First Class Honours Division A; or
• A master's degree in a relevant discipline which includes a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study, with a minimum overall average grade of honours equivalent to the First Class Honours Division A; or
• A qualification, or combination of qualifications and relevant professional or research experience, deemed equivalent by the Graduate Research Committee (or delegate); and
• Preferably, be available to commence as a full-time PhD candidate in Q4 2026 (or by arrangement).
• Demonstrate strong interest in animal-assisted interventions, social inclusion, and/or healthy ageing.
• Experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.

How to Apply: Selection follows a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Dr Em Bould, em.bould@monash.edu. Candidates should include the following when submitting an EoI:

1. Cover Letter (max 500 words): Detailing your suitability and interest in this area.
2. Research Proposal (max 2000 words, not including references): An outline of your proposed PhD direction, including a title, research context/rationale, aims, methods, and significance.
3. A curriculum vitae, including a list of any peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and relevant work and/or research experience.
4. Scanned copies of academic transcripts.
5. Contact details of two academic and/or clinical referees, at least one of whom must be an academic referee.

Stage 2: Submit a PhD candidature application

The candidate whose EoI in Stage 1 is successful will be invited to submit a full application for Monash PhD candidature.

Enquiries: Dr Em Bould, em.bould@monash.edu