PhD Internship with Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY) – Community-Based Aboriginal Research University of Adelaide in Australia

The Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) and Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY) are offering a unique internship opportunity for University of Adelaide PhD students to contribute to impactful community-based research projects. KWY is a leading Aboriginal organisation in South Australia, dedicated to delivering culturally responsive services across child protection, family violence, education, and community development. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to cultural integrity, community leadership, and evidence-informed practice.

As a research intern, you will join the Research and Innovation Directorate at KWY and participate in projects aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Your responsibilities may include supporting the design and implementation of community-led research projects, conducting literature reviews and environmental scans, assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting, and engaging with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders to ensure culturally safe research practices. You will also contribute to the development of research outputs such as reports, presentations, and policy briefs.

This internship offers valuable research outcomes, including enhanced understanding of Aboriginal-led research methodologies, practical experience in community-based research and ethical engagement, development of skills in qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, exposure to policy and program development within an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, and the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects with measurable community impact.

The ideal candidate will be working in one of the following research areas: Anthropology, Sociology, Public Health, Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, Community Development, Psychology, or International Relations. Eligibility requirements include being within the first 18 months of your PhD candidature, making satisfactory progress, and undertaking research in an area aligned with the proposed internship project. The internship requires a minimum commitment of 60 FTE business days. Successful candidates must hold a current Police Clearance and Working with Children Clearance, with KWY able to assist with relevant applications.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis and may close early if a suitable applicant is shortlisted. If shortlisted, a meeting will be organised between the student, their supervisor, and KWY’s focal contact person. It is recommended that students discuss their internship plans with their Principal Supervisor in anticipation of this process.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Adelaide’s scholarships page or email your application documents to the HDR Internships Team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Aboriginal community research and make a meaningful contribution to projects with real-world impact.