PhD - Indigenous; Energy

Job Details

Job No. 685291
Faculty Faculty of Information Technology, Monash Business School and Faculty of Engineering
Location Caulfield or Clayton campuses
Duration 3.5‑year fixed‑term appointment
Institute Monash Energy Institute
Open to People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and whose PhD research will advance First Nations’ peoples interests in the Australian energy transition
Three positions available

The successful applicant will receive a Monash Indigenous Research Scholarship, a relocation allowance of up to $1,000 for interstate moves, and a living allowance of $53,608 per annum (tax‑free). The stipend is indexed annually and is supplemented by additional support as per MGRO stipend conditions (see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

• $8,000 per annum top‑up stipend
• $4,000 for the duration of the candidature to support research costs such as fieldwork or conference participation, including a Monash Graduate Research Office travel grant valued up to $1,265
• Additional support from the Monash Energy Institute
• Ongoing support and guidance from the Indigenous Research Team:
  Indigenous

Monash Energy Institute and its three sponsoring faculties invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applications for a fully funded, 3.5‑year PhD scholarship commencing in 2026. The scholarship provides a stipend of $53,608 per annum (tax‑exempt) for 3.5 years, along with the additional support outlined above.

The Monash Energy Institute drives Australia’s transition to a sustainable, people‑centred energy future through innovative, interdisciplinary research. Through partnerships with industry, government, and international research organisations, the Institute delivers practical solutions and strategic insights across technology, policy, markets, and societal impact. Its work spans advanced energy materials, emerging technologies, future energy system design, and community engagement.

Applicants should possess strong knowledge in a discipline or background that supports successful completion of the proposed project—examples include human‑centred computing/computer science, engineering, social science, science, or community development. They must be committed to research that supports First Nations people and communities in accessing and realising the benefits of the energy transition. The PhD candidate will be integrated into the Institute and Faculty work streams and join the growing Indigenous cohort of staff and students.

As part of their proposal, applicants should outline how their research will advance First Nations’ peoples interests in the Australian energy transition. Topics may include:

• Realising energy justice for First Nations communities through diverse energy systems, housing types, and ownership models
• Exploring the impacts of prepayment meters in remote communities and identifying alternatives
• Investigating health‑related impacts of energy insecurity, such as thermally inefficient housing and inconsistent refrigeration
• Supporting Indigenous people in accessing, operating, maintaining and caring for consumer energy resources (solar, batteries, etc.) and exploring supply chain and maintenance pathways for remote Australia
• Incorporating Indigenous futures perspectives and knowledge systems into visions and scenarios for the energy transition
• Mapping/visualising Indigenous knowledge of climate and weather to support energy forecasting and planning

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and how they support research into human and technology futures, as well as an interest in innovative and participatory methodologies.

• Open to domestic applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Applicants will be evaluated holistically, prioritising First Nations applicants with research/professional experience and a strong academic track record in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary area
• Experience in related fields and roles will…