Higher Degrees Scholarships

Project Summary

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and dedicated PhD candidate to embark on a groundbreaking research project that explores the multifaceted effects of hydrogen-rich water supplementation on health and chronic diseases. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct comprehensive in vitro studies, closely examining the molecular and cellular responses to hydrogen-rich water. Additionally, the candidate will conduct in vivo experiments to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits and long-term implications of hydrogen-rich water intake in various models of chronic disease. This research aims to contribute significant insights into the development of innovative health strategies and interventions.

Background

The intriguing properties of hydrogen-rich water have captured the interest of the scientific community due to its reported health-promoting and performance-enhancing benefits. Despite the growing body of anecdotal evidence, there remains a significant gap in the scientific literature regarding the long-term consumption of HRW and its underlying biological mechanisms. This research initiative is designed to conduct a thorough investigation into the metabolic, cellular, and molecular responses to HRW supplementation, with a dual focus on its role in supporting physical health and exercise performance, as well as its therapeutic potential in the prevention and management of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Through a series of rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies, this project aims to shed light on the efficacy of HRW and pave the way for evidence-based applications in health and disease management.

Eligibility Criteria

The selection of applicants involves the consideration of academic merit and research background. The ideal applicant should possess the following:

• Either completed or be nearing the completion of a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or second-class – First Division) or a Master's degree (or equivalent) that includes a substantial research component. We are particularly interested in individuals with a background in health and/or allied health fields, such as Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition/Dietetics, and Exercise Science. This foundational knowledge is crucial for the role at hand.
• A proactive attitude, exceptional organizational skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• While the project is guided by well-defined goals and objectives, we expect the successful candidate to demonstrate the initiative and intellectual independence necessary to carry out a research project within the specified field of study.
• Candidates must exhibit outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, to effectively convey research findings and engage with the academic community.
• Additionally, a history of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals will be regarded favourably and is highly desirable.

We encourage all applicants who meet these criteria and are eager to contribute to our research endeavours to express their interest. Your dedication to advancing the field through rigorous research and scholarship will be the cornerstone of your success in this role.

The research will be conducted in the state-of-the-art lab facility at Southern Cross University located in the Gold Coast, which boasts a vibrant academic community and cutting-edge resources. The campus provides an ideal environment for groundbreaking research, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among scholars and experts in the field. As a PhD candidate, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and contribute to a pioneering study that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of hydrogen-rich water and its impact on human health.

This opportunity is currently open exclusively to domestic applicants.

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. The successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the “eligibility” section via email to Dr Vini Cruzat, vini.cruzat@scu.edu.au.  The supervisory team will reach out to candidates to arrange interviews, during which their research background, compatibility with the project's goals, and ability to contribute to the Southern Cross University research community will be assessed.

Are you excited about artificial intelligence and passionate about a sustainable future? PhD Students Wanted!

Are you interested in research and looking to further your study through a PhD project? Southern Cross University (SCU) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) invite expressions of interest for PhD positions in our groundbreaking project on AI-powered digital transformation for the smart circular economy.

By joining this program, you will be part of a cohort of research students working together to develop new knowledge and tools, powered by artificial intelligence, to advance society’s transition to a circular economy. You will collaborate with leading researchers from both SCU and UTS, as well as with our industry partners, to conduct a research project addressing an industry-identified problem related to the creation of a smart circular economy.

If successful, you will enrol in studies and receive your degree from SCU but may be able to base yourself at SCU, UTS or even remotely during your studies (depending on the nature of your research project). SCU and UTS both offer a supportive research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence. You will additionally receive the following benefits:

• Total scholarship value at $42,483 (2025 RTP equivalent rate of $33,511 p.a. plus a top-up of $8,972.00) per year for 3.5 years with an allowance package available subject to conditions
• Advanced training in artificial intelligence technologies through a series of coursework modules on data-centric engineering, ethical technology, foundations of deep tech, and advanced AI/emerging technologies.
• An internship placement with an industry partner for 6 months

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must:

• Be a Domestic student. 
• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree.
• Be willing to work closely with one of our industry partners, including undertaking an internship placement with them, and undertaking coursework training in artificial intelligence.

Positions will be available commencing from 2025. We welcome students from a wide range of disciplines who are interested in applying AI to solve this important real-world problem and would particularly welcome applications from students from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous Australians, and students from regional and remote Australia.

To express your interest, please send an email with a statement of no more than 300 words describing your interest and motivation for joining the program, plus a short CV detailing your previous education and professional experience, to Professor Andrew Rose.

You can also email Professor Andrew Rose. or call on 02 6620 3189 for further information.

Background

Rice is the staple crop for more than half of the human population. Globally it is mostly grown in flooded paddies, using excess irrigation water and causing the release of significant amounts of methane due to the anaerobic soil conditions. More than 90% of Australian rice is produced in the same way to provide irrigation and to protect the crop from cold temperatures (below 18-20°C) during the sensitive reproductive stage.

This cultivation method needs to change as a means to mitigate climate change and water shortages.

Growing rice in well-watered but not flooded soil under aerobic dryland conditions while maintaining or improving the current yield requires new genotypes more tolerant to reproductive stage drought and cold stress to avoid yield loss.

Project

This project aims to combine reproductive stage drought and cold tolerance needed for water-saving low-carbon rice genetic development by

1. Selecting drought and cold-tolerant germplasm in field experiments under off-season reproductive stage stress conditions.
2. Dissecting the genetic background of the selected rice population by Genome-Wide Association Studies and characterising the responsible genomic regions for cold and drought tolerance.
3. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of phenotypic extremes to identify differentially expressed genes, conferring tolerance and shared response to both stresses.

Requirements

• First-class honours or Master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent in plant science, plant breeding, agronomy or a related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
• Good teamwork abilities

Eligibility

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. Tuition fees will be exempt and the successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

The successful applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, Lismore campus and will be working within the plant science research group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Southern Cross University (SCU).

The successful candidate will be co-supervised by Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and Dr Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak and will have a chance to obtain practical experience in the aerobic black rice breeding program and have the opportunity to get insight into the local dryland rice industry.

How to apply  

Prospective candidates should submit a CV (including contact details of three referees), a one-page cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the project, via email to Research Fellow Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak (szabolcs.lehoczki@scu.edu.au)

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. 

Background: Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an Australian native tree grown in plantations for the production of an iconic terpene-rich essential leaf-oil. Leaf drop is a poorly understood syndrome leading to severe crop loss in some years as leaf is shed prior to harvest. Severe symptoms are often associated with plant stress induced by extreme dry or waterlogging. A Calonectria sp. fungal agent has been implicated in the condition but is yet to be formally identified or confirmed. Plant genetics also impacts disease severity, with differences being observed among varieties, clonal lines and individual trees both in plantations and replicated field trials.

This project will endeavour to confirm the identity of the infectious agent and investigate options to ameliorate the syndrome through crop management and breeding. The aims of the project are to;

• Isolate and identify an infectious agent with completion of Koch’s postulates to confirm pathogenicity.
• Characterise genetic control and determine the feasibility of breeding for tolerance to leaf drop in tea tree.
• Investigate the potential to ameliorate leaf drop through crop management.

Experimental approaches:

The study will:

• Attempt to culture fungal isolates from symptomatic trees, induce disease and develop bioassay methodology
• Assess genetic trials for leaf drop to allow estimation of heritability and characterise the mode of genetic control.
• Identify tolerant and susceptible lines of tea tree, and,
• Carry out pot trials subjecting tolerant and susceptible plant lines to waterlogging and drought to examine interactions with disease severity.

Training:

This studentship would be suitable for a graduate in biological or agricultural sciences seeking training in:

• Plant pathology
• Genetics and breeding
• Experimental design
• Report/publication writing

In addition, this PhD candidature will be managed within the Southern Cross University postgraduate training programme, which provides opportunities to benefit from a broader range of professional training alongside the research project.

Links to ongoing work and potential collaboration:

The student will be working within the plant science research group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Southern Cross University (SCU), This group has an excellent track record in research underpinning the selection, cultivation and utilization of plants. Infrastructure includes facilities for plant growth, analytical chemistry, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genotyping, proteomics and bioinformatics. SCU has achieved the highest rating of exceptional performance, well above world standard in the past three national assessments of research excellence (2012, 2015 and 2018) for crop and pasture production and agricultural science.

The SCU plant science research team collaborates with the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) on this project as well as operating the tea tree breeding program supported by ATTIA and Agrifutures.

Requirements:

• First-class honours or Master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent in plant science, microbiology, agronomy or a related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
• Good teamwork abilities

Eligibility:

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to apply:  

Applications should contain an up-to-date resume (CV), a 1-page cover letter outlining interest and suitability for the proposed project and contact details of two referees (to obtain letters of reference) and sent via e-mail to Senior Lecturer Dr Jay Anderson (jay.anderson@scu.edu.au).

This project will be based at SCU’s Lismore, NSW, Australia campus.

Closing Date: Monday 30^th September 2024

Southern Cross University, in conjunction with the University of Southern Queensland, have a  PhD scholarship available for a prospective candidate to work on recycled polymers with fire resistance.

Manufacturing building material from recycled plastics is gaining in popularity world-wide. However, a challenge of this approach is to mitigate the flammability of plastic material by retarding combustion, an essential property when manufacturing building material for human habitation.  Therefore, we are seeking an enthusiastic and chemistry-loving student to work with us on developing these materials further with local industry and world-class testing facilities.

Eligibility:

Applicants need to possess a:

• Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or Second Class – First Division) 
  or
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a relevant research component 

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

The location of the candidate will be at the Lismore Campus, Southern Cross University, with periodical visits to local plastics manufacturers in the Northern Rivers as well as visits to the Springfield campus of the University of Southern Queensland to access fire testing laboratory facilities.

Please send a CV emphasising any research and industrial experience.

An academic transcript detailing grades and qualifications.

A 1-2 page referenced research proposal on plastic building material, testing methods and the students' desired direction of research trajectory within this PhD degree. 

Queries to be directed to Principal supervisor: Lachlan.Yee@scu.edu.au

Project Summary

The current PhD project will investigate how healthy behaviours influence esports performance. It will include a series of qualitative and mixed-methods studies, engaging players, parents, and industry experts. The PhD project will contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies that practitioners can implement within the industry to foster both well-being and peak performance in their players.

Supervisory Team

Dr Kyle Bennett

Dr Dylan Poulus

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants need to possess a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or second-class – First Division) in Sports Science, Exercise Science or Psychology.

OR

Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a relevant research component in Sports Science, Exercise Science, or Psychology

Applicants need to be proficient in English comprehension and expression.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Scholarship

This position is fully funded at the RTP rate ($33,511 per annum – 2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months. The scholarship is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a research proposal (max two pages) detailing how they would approach the project. The supervisory team will contact candidates for an interview to evaluate their research experience, alignment with the project objectives, and their potential to contribute to the Southern Cross University research community.

Expected Start Date

We expect the successful candidate to start in March 2025.

Location

The current PhD project is based on the Coffs Harbour campus of Southern Cross University.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Dr Kyle Bennett at kyle.bennett@scu.edu.au.

Esports represents one of the fastest-growing recreational and competitive activities in the world. Hundreds of millions of people around the world play esports every year. Esports are positioned to impact traditional sporting events (i.e., The Olympics), education (i.e., primary school, high school, and university esports programs), and entertainment (streaming and broadcasting). Despite the rapid growth of the esports industry, we know very little about the impact of esports participation. At Southern Cross, we are focusing on promoting positive and healthy engagement with esports.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to explore the psychology of esports participation in the context of mental health and/or performance psychology. This project could examine the potential adverse effects of esports participation and how to identify or prevent them. Projects could also investigate the psychology of esports performance and how to improve player performance.

Applicants should have previous experience studying psychology, mental health, or high performance and a deep understanding of esports.

Eligibility:

Applicants need to possess a:

• Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours (or Second Class – First Division) in Psychology or Behavioural Science
  or
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a relevant research component in Psychology or Behavioural Science

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a research proposal (max two pages) detailing how they would approach the project. The supervisory team will contact candidates for an interview to evaluate their research experience, alignment with the project objectives, and their potential to contribute to the Southern Cross University research community. For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dylan Poulus (dylan.poulus@scu.edu.au). 

Background

This PhD project will take place alongside a larger project funded by an ARC Discovery grant looking at climate change education. Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 1992) with obligations to develop ensuing climate change education policy. However, there is no Australian government climate change education policy or corresponding school-based curriculum and pedagogy. This is in a context where young people are increasingly exposed to apocalyptic visions and lived experiences of the disastrous impacts of climate change, causing existential anxiety. This research project is a response to this lack of climate change education policy curriculum. It aims to empower children and youth (5-18 years) to generate new understandings of inherited climate change knowledge (including Indigenous and Western knowledges) in advancing climate change education. The project will involve children, young people, and their parents.

The focus of this PhD project will be on the parents and their complex relations with country in response to rapid climate change in the Anthropocene and through the inheritance of a colonised Australia. The PhD candidate will invite parents related to the larger project to participate in their study. The larger project will inform the PhD project, and the concurrent PhD will also inform the wider project.

The candidate will be supervised by Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Professor Lexi Lasczik and Adjunct Professor Tracey Bunda.

Location

The candidate will be required to attend research gatherings on Yugambeh (Gold Coast) and Yugerra (Ipswich) Countries.

Eligibility

Domestic students are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months beginning early 2025 and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component. The successful applicant will also receive a $10,000 (paid in fortnightly increments) Top-up scholarship funded by the Waratah Scholarships (NSW Department of Education).  

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles at amy.cutter-mackenzie@scu.edu.au  

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page statement explaining your interest and suitability for the position. Please quote the PhD title in the subject line of the email.

Background:

Herbicides are an important tool for weed control in cropping systems worldwide. The evolution of weeds resistant to ‘knockdown’ herbicides like glyphosate means that residual, i.e. more persistent, herbicides are being used to help control these resistant weeds. However, the impact of herbicide residue persistence and carryover in soil from season to season on crop yields, profitability and sustainability is uncertain. Recent work estimated that between 20-30% of grain-growing paddocks across Australia contain soilborne herbicide residues that limit crop selection, while around 10% of paddocks have herbicide residues that could result in crop damage and economic losses to growers. The primary drivers of herbicide breakdown are qualitatively well known; however, simple decision support tools to predict the level of herbicide remaining in soil over time, and the risk to rotation crops, are not currently available.

Project: This PhD project is part of a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment into ‘Geospatial analytics to predict the impact of residual herbicides on establishment and yield’. It is part of a broader investment in transformational technologies that can value-add to agronomic decision making. The project aims to develop a geospatial analytics tool (e.g., software) to predict herbicide residue carryover and crop risk in different soil types and cropping environments. It will do this by:

1.  Developing and validating a model or models that can accurately predict herbicide persistence and bioavailability in different soil types
2.  Developing critical thresholds for different herbicides in soil and crop leaf tissue
3.  Using machine learning and/or crop growth models to predict crop plant-back risk based on predicted (or measured) soil herbicide concentrations and critical crop thresholds.

We are currently seeking a highly-motivated PhD candidate to focus on an improved understanding and prediction of herbicide binding (sorption) and degradation in soil. This project will use a combination of different techniques, such as mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry, stable isotopes, and batch and column soil incubation experiments. The project will involve periods of glasshouse experiments, laboratory work, field experiments and sampling and data processing. The student will have the opportunity to visit field experimentation sites in regional WA, SA, Qld and NSW; and work with experienced and passionate agricultural and environmental scientists, crop consultants (agronomists) and other industry experts.

Requirements:

• First-class honours or Master’s degree or equivalent in soil science, environmental chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, agronomy or a related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong experience with field measurements, laboratory work, and data processing
• Good teamwork abilities

Additional experience:

• Experience with analytical chemistry techniques (wet chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry)
• Experience with data-analysis, modelling and/or programming (e.g. R, Python)
• Experience with experimental studies involving plant, soil  and/or water interactions.
• Spatial information systems

Location: The successful applicant will be based at Southern Cross University in Australia, Lismore campus (Northern NSW, close to Byron Bay) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and will be part of a growing team in Soil and Plant Sciences. The student will work with two advisors/supervisors from a science and engineering background, respectively, and alongside a postdoctoral researcher who will also be working on the broader project. The project team also consists of researchers from The University of Sydney, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and several agricultural consultants. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with these researchers and organisations.

Eligibility:

The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for 3 years and 3 months. Tuition fees will be exempt and the successful candidate will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to apply:

Prospective candidates who are interested in this opportunity should send a CV (including 3 referees) and a short (< 1 page) statement highlighting their research background and interests and addressing each of the selection criteria above to Assoc. Prof. Mick Rose (mick.rose@scu.edu.au). Co-supervisors will include Dr Danielle Griffani and potentially an industry supervisor. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications are open until the position is filled, and the preferred starting date is mid-2024 (negotiable).

Beekeeping is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services in Australia estimated to be worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to 35 pollination-dependent industries is estimated at over $70 million annually. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists. The best long-term and sustainable solution for varroa control is breeding varroa-resistant honey bees (Jack and Ellis, 2021). The successful applicant will contribute to the development of a queen bee breeding program focusing on varroa tolerance by engaging with queen bee breeders and livestock geneticists and using tools, such as hygiene-eliciting brood semiochemicals for assaying honey bee colony resistance to varroa, hygienic testing, artificial insemination and genetic markers to identify varroa resistant stock within Australian honey bee populations. The candidate will also investigate genetic markers associated with tolerance to tropilaelaps mites in PNG and mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Objectives:

1. To research genetic markers associated with Varroa tolerance in Australia honey bee stock.
2. To research genetic markers associated with Tropilaelaps tolerance in honey bee stock in PNG.
3. To investigate the extent, impact and solutions for mating interference between the Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually)

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

The beekeeping industry is critical to food and nutrition security with contributions from pollination services worth over 14.2b. The recent incursion of varroa mites in Australia, as well as neighbouring Pacific countries, represents a significant challenge to the viability of the sector, compounding existing challenges of low market prices, limited succession planning and an aging industry and declining access to resources (honey and pollen flora) due to droughts, bushfires, and land clearing. Varroa mite is a leading cause of colony losses globally and losses to pollination-dependent plant industries over 30 years are estimated at over $70 million annually and may exceed $135 million. Australia’s unique climate, environment and agriculture require contextualised Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to control varroa mites effectively. Australia has unique pest and diseases, honey bee flora and genetics that impact honey bees which are not seen in other countries – this reduces the applicability of research and best practice in the Australian context. Current research and best practice on varroa mites are limited to temperate climates where honey bees have natural brood (pupating bees) breaks which reduces mite population growth. In other countries honey bee viruses, such as Deformed Wing Virus, also influence economic thresholds and IPM practices. Chemical resistance to existing miticides is prevalent in every country which varroa exists and is a major concern. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies tailored to regional contexts, aiming to control and mitigate the impact of Varroa mites.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate current Varroa mite prevalence, impacts and management practices in Australia and Pacific Island countries
2. To develop and test the efficacy of novel organic and biotechnical varroa control strategies
3. To develop region-specific IPM strategies for Varroa mite control.

Eligibility:

• Meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component or equivalent higher research degree in entomology, agriculture, environmental sciences, development studies or closely related fields.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in pest management, honey bee health, or tropical agriculture.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in regional NSW and Pacific Island countries.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Current CV with academic qualifications, publications, and relevant work experiences.
3. Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees.
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants).

Supervisor: Dr Cooper Schouten

Institution: Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University.

Location: Southern Cross University, Northern Rivers Lismore Campus with fieldwork opportunities in Pacific Island countries.

Duration: The stipend is for three years and three months. The candidature can be up to 4 years.

Stipend: PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually).

Applications close: Applications will remain open until the position is filled (open to international applicants).

For more information, or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Cooper Schouten, (cooper.schouten@scu.edu.au).

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page interest statement.

Southern Cross University is seeking enthusiastic students for their doctoral research on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Management. The positions will be based in Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast Campus, in Queensland, Australia. Up to three full-time PhD places are available to start in 2021-2022.

Background: This research is designed to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing healthcare.  With the increasing potential of AI technologies, healthcare management has been offered substantial opportunities to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and efficacy. For example, the current circumstances related to COVID-19 demonstrated the wide-spread applicability of AI capabilities in a range of circumstances, including AI‐assisted analysis and modelling helping to reconstruct the progression of an outbreak, predict transmission pathways, trace contacts, and determine impacts of various public health control measures. On the other hand, the use of AI raises increasing concerns from general public, industry and regulatory bodies. Issues of trust and transparency in data-driven and automated decision support are still to be consistently measured and validated for fairness and effectiveness. Similarly, anecdotal commentary suggests that low user acceptance and high degree of resistance for AI-led solutions in the healthcare sector from its primary stakeholders such as clinicians and nurses. The projects are designed to utilise both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand, evaluate current issues, mechanisms and procedures and future engagement models relating to AI in managing healthcare better.

Topics of interest include (but, not limited to);

• Confidence and trust in AI-led decision making
• AI and managing multi-stakeholder viewpoints in healthcare
• AI readiness in healthcare workforce and organisations
• Responsible AI use in healthcare management
• Increasing AI-led engagement of public healthcare
• Impact of AI in healthcare sector

Activities: The selected PhD candidates will receive a unique opportunity to engage with a range of industry partners in healthcare management and AI. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant inter-disciplinary research group that includes researchers from management, information systems and health.  

The work will include:

• A critical review of existing relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Conducting case studies on the utility of AI in healthcare management
• Developing management frameworks and theories for impactful use of AI in healthcare management
• Travel for fieldwork

What is required: The ideal candidate is highly motivated for scientific business research in the broad topic of digital business transformation. The successful applicant will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a second-class Honours degree (or above) or a relevant research masters degree in business, information systems, healthcare management or computer science. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English as well as excellent communication and team skills are expected. The position is open to both domestic and international applicants currently based in Australia. International applicants currently based overseas are welcomed to apply, however, current Australian Government border restrictions may impact their application.

What is being offered: Successful candidates will be offered a tuition fee waiver and additional funding of up to $10,000 to support research activities.

International candidates are eligible to apply, however, if successful the successful candidate will need to fund their own travel to Australia to commence studies, application fees for any required visa and overseas health cover insurance expenses.

How to apply: Applicants are asked to submit an expression of interest, which must include a short video of the proposed topic of less than 3 mins, a detailed CV, copies of previous research outputs (email to Professor Darshana Sedera at darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au). This project aims to officially start in the last quarter of 2021, but there is some flexibility with the exact starting date (upon mutual agreement). Applications will remain open until filled in 2021.

Applicants are welcome to contact Professor Darshana Sedera (darshana.sedera@scu.edu.au) for an informal discussion and any further information about this opportunity.

Invitation to attend an interview: If your expression of interest is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Further details about the interview will be provided in the invitation.

The building construction industry represents one of the most important sectors within Australia and internationally. It is also an industry with high waste, large workforces, a high carbon footprint and the challenges of delivering quality products on time and within budget. Many societal issues, including housing demand, pressure to develop new practical approaches to provide quality solutions. It is also evident that many cities and towns contain buildings (at various scales) that could be repurposed to better use their horizontal and vertical footprints. This includes, buildings damaged during natural disasters and population shifts.

It is noted that codes and standards apply to new builds and not so much to existing buildings. Additionally, most codes and standards do not apply the aspect of durability to new buildings. Therefore, it is important to understand how buildings can be designed to be repurposed, the codes and standards required for repurposing, and how technologies (e.g. building information modelling (BIM)) can be used to assist with this process.

This PhD project will investigate how to better influence and manage building repurposing and to consider how BIM can benefit this process. The student will work with members from the International Building Quality Centre (www.ibqc.org.au).

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Contact: Professor Charles Lemckert 

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Professor Charles Lemckert (charles.lemckert@scu.edu.au)

The agricultural sector in the Northern Rivers region demonstrated its strength in 2021 by generating a substantial $621 million in agricultural production. This figure underscores the region's status as a thriving hub for diverse agricultural products, making significant economic contributions. Beyond its economic significance, agriculture plays a pivotal role in strengthening local communities and contributing to the broader Australian economy. Following the devastating flood disaster in 2021, there is a need to ramp up agricultural production to aid in the region's recovery.

Agricultural machinery stands as a critical component of agricultural production. The development of sustainable, innovative, and region-specific agricultural machinery holds the potential to further enhance the overall value of agricultural production. Recognizing this potential, this scholarship aims to support research and development endeavours focused on agricultural machinery. By addressing the specific agricultural production challenges the Northern Rivers region faces, this scholarship aims to provide practical solutions that will support the local agricultural sector and facilitate its resurgence in the aftermath of the 2021 flood disaster. 

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Supervisor: Dr Mustafa Ucgul

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Mustafa Ucgul (mustafa.ucgul@scu.edu.au)  

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.

Climate change has significantly affected the hydrological cycle, resulting in floods with increased frequency and severity almost all over the world. Floods lead to causalities and economic losses and cause structural damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure. Based on data from the Insurance Council of Australia, the 2022 extreme weather and flooding in Northern NSW and South-East Queensland has led to over 3.346 billion worth of claims to date.

Traditionally, houses are permanently raised in flood-prone areas to mitigate the risks of flooding. However, house-raising is essentially just a short-term solution due to the continued increase of the flood hazard level due to climate change. To live with water rather than fight against water, amphibious houses represent an innovative solution to address the growing challenges of more frequent and intense floods in our local communities while simultaneously addressing housing needs. An amphibious house will rise during a flood event and move down when the flood goes away. This solution can be used to retrofit homes to be amphibious and build new amphibious structures in flood-prone areas.

This PhD research topic will delve deeply into the complex domain of amphibious houses, with a primary objective of tackling the multifaceted challenges associated with their design and construction. The research aims to foster sustainability through the use of recycled materials, bolster the resilience of houses, and achieve long-term cost savings in mitigating the escalating risks of flooding brought about by climate change.

Eligibility: The successful candidate will receive a PhD stipend at the RTP rate of AU$33,511 per annum (2025 rate indexed annually) for three years and three months and will need to meet the entry requirements to enrol in a PhD at Southern Cross University on a full-time basis, including a bachelor’s degree (Hons, 2nd class or above) or a master’s degree with a relevant research component.

Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements (an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and no other band less than 6.5.

Supervisor: Dr Guoyang Fu

For more information or to apply for this PhD Scholarship opportunity, please email Dr Guoyong Fu (guoyang.fu@scu.edu.au)

Applications should include a CV, academic transcript/s and a one-page purpose statement.