Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities and Ageing in Place Queensland University of Technology in Canada

PhD Scholarship Opportunity at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia.

This project is titled “Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities: Our Future for Ageing in place?” and is part of an ARC Future Fellowship project led by Professor Bo Xia. The research focuses on Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), ageing in place, and how community environments can support older Australians to live independently for longer.

The PhD candidate will investigate the formation of NORCs and examine how they facilitate ageing-in-place. The project will use grounded theory and life story interviews or workshops to develop a theoretical and practical NORC model in the Australian context. The work aims to explain why older Australians choose to move into NORCs and what factors shape these communities, with the broader goal of informing policy makers and supporting senior Australians’ independent living.

Funding: The post is described as a fully funded PhD scholarship.

Eligibility and preferences: Applicants must meet QUT’s Doctor of Philosophy entry requirements, including English language requirements. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential due to engagement with older adults during data collection. Experience in grounded theory or qualitative research is preferred. The supervisor also welcomes applicants from backgrounds including urban planning, architecture, construction management, linguistics, social science, or related fields. Applicants currently residing in Australia are especially encouraged to apply so they can begin earlier.

How to apply: Email Professor Bo Xia at [email protected] with your academic and research background, CV, and a cover letter outlining your interest, relevant skills and experience, and fit with the project.

Keywords: ageing in place, NORCs, older adults, qualitative research, grounded theory, urban planning, architecture, social science.