PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Monash University Accident Research Centre - Driver Health Study

Job No.: 694390

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Department/Unit: Monash University Accident Research Centre

Duration: 3.5 years fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a tax-free stipend to the value of $40,000 per annum full-time rate.

Supervision: The PhD will be supervised by Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel, a leading expert in road safety, driver health, and injury prevention.

The Opportunity

A new and exciting opportunity exists for an exceptionally talented domestic candidate interested in undertaking a PhD at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), looking at the long-term health and wellbeing of Australia’s truck drivers. This fully funded scholarship will be based at MUARC.

As part of this scholarship, the PhD student will lead the expansion of the Driver Health Survey (www.drivinghealth.net), a national initiative aimed at understanding the health and wellbeing of professional drivers across Australia. This will include updating and enhancing the survey methodology, broadening participant reach and conversation within the transport and logistics industry, and integrating new focus areas aligned with emerging health and safety challenges. The expanded work will be formally branded as the NTARC Driving Health Scholarship, reflecting the National Truck Accident Research Centre’s (NTARC) and NTI’s strong commitment to improving the long-term health, safety, and wellbeing of drivers across the sector. The research outcomes are expected to provide actionable insights to inform industry policy, workplace practices, and road safety strategies nationwide.

MUARC is Australia's largest and most respected accident and injury prevention research organisation. MUARC’s research, consultancy, training and scientific expertise include safety in all modes of transport, in the workplace, in the community and in the home. MUARC’s goal is simple but profound: to prevent injury, save lives, and build futures.

National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) offers a collaborative network to support Australian businesses in developing a positive road safety culture. It’s about saving lives without the red tape.

National Transport Insurance (NTI) is Australia’s leading specialist insurance provider for the Transport and Logistics Industries. With decades of expertise, NTI has built a reputation for being the trusted partner for businesses that keep Australia Truckin’, Shippin’, and Diggin’.

The PhD provides a unique opportunity for the student as it will include extensive engagement with industry and working closely with them and the NTARC team to help impart the research findings through the voices of heavy vehicle drivers.

As part of the application process, potential PhD candidates are invited to submit an expression of interest.

Candidate Requirements

As the successful candidate, you will:

• Have a relevant Honours or Masters degree with H1 or equivalent;
• Meet the eligibility criteria for PhD candidature at Monash University;
• Have Australian or New Zealand citizenship (or permanent residence), and currently residing in Australia;
• Have an interest in injury prevention research and specifically, an interest in health data analysis and statistics;
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Have the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Have the ability to plan, organise, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, and
• Have analytical thinking, data analysis and critical problem-solving skills.

How to Apply

1. To apply, please begin by reviewing the Monash “Applying with us” page, which outlines eligibility requirements, application steps, and scholarship information: www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/apply

2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at MUARC.

Enquiries:

Samantha Bailey, Graduate Research Administrative Officer, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Phone: +61 3 9902 0358 or Email: muarc-graduateresearch@monash.edu

Applications Close: Friday 26 June 2026, 11:55pm AEST