PhD Scholarship in Sickness Absence Among Migrant Australians and Work Disability
Monash University’s Healthy Working Lives Research Group is offering a PhD scholarship for a project titled
Understanding Sickness Absence Among Migrant Australians: A Mixed-Methods Study of Patterns, Determinants, and Lived Experiences
. The project sits within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and is supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellowship focused on reforming work disability benefit systems in contemporary Australian society.
The PhD will examine sickness absence, work disability, migrant health, occupational health, and labour-force participation among migrant Australians. The quantitative component uses a national prospective cohort study with repeated online surveys at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to identify patterns, predictors, and high-risk groups for prolonged sickness absence. The qualitative component will explore lived experiences, including cultural perceptions of illness and work, barriers to taking sick leave, job insecurity, visa-related constraints, workplace support, discrimination, and access to care.
Supervision will be provided by Professor Alex Collie and Dr Afsana Afroz. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment within the Healthy Working Lives Research Group at Monash University.
Funding includes a tax-free Research Living Allowance of $40,000 AUD per annum at the 2026 full-time rate, indexed and with allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions. This is a PhD scholarship opportunity rather than a postdoctoral or master’s opening.
Eligibility requirements include Monash University PhD entry requirements, valid and current Australian work rights, and either a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree with a research thesis/project and First Class Honours Division A equivalent, a relevant master’s degree with a substantial research thesis/project and First Class Honours Division A equivalent, or equivalent qualifications/experience accepted by the Graduate Research Committee. Applicants should preferably be available to commence full-time on campus in Q3 or Q4 2026.
To apply, first check eligibility, then email a CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and the successful candidate will later submit a candidature application through the online portal after receiving an invitation to apply. Applications close on 2026-07-21.
