PhD Scholarship – Optimising the Health of Women During Pregnancy: Scaling Accessibility, Equity and Culturally Appropriate Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives in Health Systems Monash University in Australia

This PhD scholarship at Monash University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to improving the health of women during pregnancy by scaling accessibility, equity, and culturally appropriate healthy lifestyle initiatives within health systems. The successful candidate will join a collaborative project between Monash University and Monash Health, based at the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), part of the Monash Health Translation Precinct.

The research will focus on digital health technology and implementation science to enhance health outcomes for women and their families, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The project aims to adapt, diversify, and implement a lifestyle intervention to optimize healthy weight during pregnancy using a health systems approach. Key activities include engaging stakeholders to identify needs, barriers, and facilitators to change, adapting an evidence-based weight gain prevention program, and conducting implementation research to test effectiveness. MCHRI is a division of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, the largest school of its kind in Australia, and is integrated with Monash Health, Victoria’s largest healthcare service.

The center is internationally recognized for its research leadership and offers a supportive environment for PhD students, with a focus on preparing graduates for academic and clinical careers. The position is full-time for three years, with a stipend of up to $40,000 per annum, convertible to top-up funding if the candidate secures a University scholarship. Additional support is available for project resources and conference attendance.

Applicants must have valid Australian work rights and a degree or master's in a relevant discipline, such as health sciences, allied health, dietetics, or nutrition, with strong academic results. The project is ideal for those interested in women’s health, pregnancy care, health service delivery, and culturally appropriate care. Applicants should review the Monash University PhD entry requirements and submit an Expression of Interest including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and referee contact details.

The application deadline is 10 December 2025.